At Goslings Nursery, play isn’t just about fun, it’s the foundation of everything we do. As a leading play based learning London nursery, we understand that children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and free to explore the world around them.
From imaginative role play to outdoor adventures, play-based learning helps children develop vital life skills, laying the groundwork for confident, happy learners. This approach aligns with the early years curriculum London families trust, focusing on holistic growth through curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Understanding Play-Based Learning in Early Years
Play-based learning is more than a trend, it’s a research-backed approach that supports children’s natural way of understanding the world. Instead of rigid lessons or worksheets, play gives children opportunities to explore, experiment, and make discoveries at their own pace.
At Goslings Nursery, we use play to inspire creativity and independence while ensuring each child meets the EYFS learning goals. Our experienced practitioners plan engaging activities that blend play with learning objectives, so children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
The Power of Play
Through play, children communicate ideas, express emotions, and develop problem-solving skills. Whether they’re building towers, painting, or role-playing, each moment of play is a meaningful step in their development.
Play-based environments foster:
- Confidence: Children learn by trying and experimenting.
- Social Awareness: Cooperative play teaches sharing, empathy, and respect.
- Cognitive Growth: Open-ended play stimulates imagination and decision-making.
The Role of Play in the EYFS Framework
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for all nurseries in the UK, guiding how children’s early learning should be structured and supported. At Goslings Nursery, our play-based approach fits naturally within this framework.
Each play experience helps children work towards the seven EYFS learning goals, including communication and language, personal and social development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts, and physical development.
Our educators thoughtfully design activities that encourage exploration and curiosity, ensuring every child’s development is celebrated.
Learning Through Play Every Day
From the moment children arrive at our nursery, their environment invites play and discovery. Our carefully planned rooms and outdoor spaces inspire children to learn through doing — from messy play tables to imaginative role-play corners.
At Goslings Nursery learning through play, we believe that every experience-stacking blocks, singing songs, or gardening, contributes to lifelong learning.
How Play-Based Learning Shapes Key Developmental Areas
Play impacts every part of a child’s growth, helping them think, move, and connect with others. At Goslings Nursery, each play experience supports balanced development in fun, meaningful ways.
1. Social and Emotional Growth
Play is central to play and social development. It allows children to form friendships, resolve conflicts, and understand their emotions. In group play, they learn to share, take turns, and work collaboratively, vital skills for future learning environments.
Our practitioners observe children closely, supporting them to express feelings and develop empathy. We celebrate moments of kindness and teamwork, reinforcing the positive social habits that build confidence.
2. Cognitive and Language Development
Play stimulates thinking and problem-solving. Whether building a tower or negotiating roles in a game, children learn to plan, make decisions, and think critically.
Language naturally flourishes during play. Children describe what they’re doing, ask questions, and listen to others, building vocabulary and communication skills essential for literacy.
In our early years curriculum London classrooms, we encourage storytelling, role play, and music sessions that make language learning enjoyable and interactive.
3. Physical Development
Active play supports coordination, balance, and motor skills. At Goslings Nursery, children move freely between indoor and outdoor activities, from climbing frames to sensory exploration.
Physical play also promotes wellbeing and helps children develop a lifelong love for movement. By offering varied physical challenges, we nurture both fine and gross motor skills that underpin later skills such as writing and self-care.
4. Creative and Imaginative Thinking
Creativity thrives in a play-rich environment. Painting, dressing up, and building with natural materials all encourage self-expression and imagination.
Our team values each child’s unique ideas. We provide open-ended resources and gentle guidance so children can explore without fear of making mistakes. Creativity, after all, is the heart of innovation and it begins in play.
How Our Nursery Environment Encourages Play
At Goslings Nursery, every corner is designed to spark discovery. We blend structured learning with child-led play to create a balanced and nurturing environment.
Our classrooms are bright and open, filled with materials that encourage exploration. Natural light, soft textures, and age-appropriate resources make our spaces feel warm and inviting.
Outdoor Play and Nature-Based Learning
Outdoor play is essential for young children. It helps them develop physically, gain independence, and connect with nature.
Our outdoor areas allow for sensory play, gardening, and nature exploration. These activities align perfectly with the EYFS learning goals, encouraging curiosity and care for the environment.
Children dig, climb, and observe, learning through movement and discovery. These experiences foster resilience and adaptability, skills that serve them throughout life.
The Role of Practitioners in Play-Based Learning
Our dedicated practitioners at Goslings Nursery play an essential role in shaping meaningful play experiences. They act as facilitators, guiding play without interrupting the child’s flow.
By observing and reflecting on children’s interests, practitioners extend learning opportunities naturally. For example, if a child shows interest in dinosaurs, we might set up a prehistoric small-world play area to explore size, language, and counting concepts.
This responsive teaching style ensures every child’s journey is unique and rooted in joy.
Professional Care and Child-Centred Values
Our team shares the values outlined in our childcare values, nurturing, respect, and inclusion. Each member is trained in early childhood education and passionate about helping children flourish through play.
We value partnership with parents, keeping families informed and involved in every stage of their child’s progress.
Why Play Matters: The Science Behind Learning Through Play
Research consistently shows that children learn best through play. Studies by organisations like the LEGO Foundation and the Department for Education highlight that play improves memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
When children are engaged and having fun, their brains form stronger neural connections, supporting long-term learning.
Play encourages curiosity, which fuels motivation. This intrinsic drive to learn sets the foundation for future academic success and personal growth.
At Goslings Nursery, we see these benefits daily. Children who are free to play become confident problem-solvers, compassionate friends, and creative thinkers.
A Day in the Life: Learning Through Play at Goslings Nursery
A typical day at Goslings Nursery is filled with laughter, curiosity, and discovery.
Morning: Children are welcomed with open play, allowing them to choose activities that interest them. Staff observe and interact, encouraging communication and exploration.
Midday: Structured sessions such as music, story time, or group discussions blend learning with fun. Snack times are opportunities for social learning and independence.
Afternoon: Outdoor play and creative arts help children unwind, express themselves, and practise new skills. Each day ends with reflection, where children share what they enjoyed most, nurturing self-awareness and confidence.
This rhythm ensures balance, routine, and plenty of opportunities to meet the EYFS learning goals in engaging ways.
Building Confidence Through Play and Social Development
Confidence is not taught; it’s discovered through experience. Play gives children the space to try, fail, and try again.
At our play based learning London nursery, we encourage independence and celebrate effort as much as achievement. Whether a child builds their first tower or learns to comfort a friend, these small moments build resilience and emotional strength.
Social play also teaches cooperation and communication, key ingredients for thriving in group settings.
Partnership with Parents in Play-Based Learning
We believe that learning doesn’t stop at the nursery door. Parents play a vital role in supporting play-based learning at home.
Our educators regularly share updates and ideas with families, encouraging simple activities like storytelling, nature walks, or sensory play.
By maintaining open communication, we ensure each child’s journey is consistent and supported both at home and in the nursery.
Families choosing Goslings Nursery become part of a caring community, built on trust and shared values.
Choosing the Right Nursery in London
When choosing a nursery, it’s important to find an environment that values both education and joy.
At Goslings Nursery, our commitment to play-based learning ensures that every child’s early years are filled with wonder and discovery. We offer a warm, inclusive setting where children can grow at their own pace while achieving key developmental milestones.
Our reputation for excellence and our alignment with the early years curriculum London make us a trusted choice for families across the city.
Conclusion
Play-based learning is more than an educational philosophy, it’s a way of helping children become confident, capable, and compassionate learners.
At Goslings Nursery, we see firsthand how play transforms early development, meeting EYFS learning goals through joyful exploration. Our experienced practitioners and nurturing environment ensure that every child thrives emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
If you’re searching for a London nursery that truly understands the power of play, Goslings Nursery is the perfect place to begin your child’s learning journey.
To book a visit or speak to our friendly team, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is play-based learning?
Play-based learning lets children explore and learn through play. At Goslings Nursery, it encourages creativity, curiosity, and confidence in every child.
2. How does it support EYFS learning goals?
Play helps children naturally achieve EYFS learning goals like communication, maths, and emotional growth through fun, hands-on experiences.
3. Why is play important for social development?
Play builds teamwork, empathy, and confidence, key elements of play and social development in early childhood.
4. What makes Goslings Nursery special?
Our Goslings Nursery learning through play approach blends fun with education, following the early years curriculum London families trust.
5. How can I enroll my child?
It’s easy! Simply contact us today to book a visit and see our nurturing, play-based environment in action.