At eyworks, we know that nursery practitioners are superheroes of early years development. Play is at the heart of everything you do, it’s how the children explore, learn, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring why play matters so much in early childhood, how it supports key areas of development, and how eyworks can help you keep play at the centre of your nursery setting.
Why is Play so Important in Early Childhood?
From building friendships to boosting brain development, the importance of play in early childhood development is clear. It’s where language blossoms, confidence grows, and problem-solving skills begin to form. When children are given the time and space to play freely, magical things happen.
Here are just a few of the ways play supports development:
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It boosts language and communication
Children make sense of sounds, words, and gestures through playful interaction. Whether they’re chatting during role play or experimenting with silly noises, play gives them endless opportunities to explore and use their voices.
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It fires up their thinking skills
Play supports cognitive development by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s where children begin to test ideas, ask questions, and build their own understanding of the world.
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It celebrates and accepts differences
Proposed slight revision: Play is for everyone. It goes beyond words to include gestures, facial expressions, signing, and movement. This makes it inclusive and accessible for all children, no matter how they communicate.
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It builds strong bodies and busy hands
Active play helps children develop fine motor skills, coordination, and strength. Whether they’re climbing, digging, threading beads or stacking blocks, they’re laying the groundwork for everything from writing to wellbeing.
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It sparks connection and confidence
From sharing toys to negotiating turns, children learn valuable social skills through play. It helps with independence, perseverance and resilience, all key traits for lifelong learning.
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It nurtures emotional wellbeing
Play offers a safe space for children to express, understand, and manage their feelings. It’s where they learn empathy, navigate challenges, and explore different perspectives.
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It encourages imagination and a love of learning
When children are free to follow their curiosity and lead their own play, they begin to see learning as joyful and exciting.
How Different Types of Play Support Development
Experts, nursery practitioners and parents alike can all agree on the importance of play in early childhood development, this play isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. The United Nations recognises play as a fundamental right of every child. Organisations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) consider it central to developmentally appropriate practice. And leading psychologists describe play as one of the most powerful tools for building resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning skills.
How You Can Support Playful Learning in Your Setting
Many of the things you’re already doing every day are helping children thrive through play. But here are a few gentle reminders and ideas for nurturing rich play in your nursery:
- Let children lead: Follow their interests and allow them the freedom to explore.
- Offer open-ended resources: Loose parts and natural materials invite creativity.
- Make time for outdoor play: It supports physical health, imagination, and a sense of freedom.
- Model curiosity: Show children it’s OK to experiment, get messy, and try again.
- Be present: Sometimes, the most meaningful play happens when you sit alongside and simply join in.
How eyworks Helps You Put Play First
At eyworks, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most – the children. Our all-in-one nursery management software gives you more time for play, learning, and connection by taking care of the admin behind the scenes. From online learning journeys to digital daily diaries, we make it easy to document, and plan, without the paperwork piling up.
You can find support and inspiration in our nursery software features, from observations and planning tools to parent engagement tools that celebrate play at home too.
Ready to Champion Play in Your Setting?
Explore how eyworks can support your team and help you make more time for what really matters see our nursery management tools in action. Book a demo today.
