1. Unit 6 Supporting children’s play

2. Learning Outcomes LO1 Understand the play environment.
AC 1.1 Explain what is meant by ‘the play environment’.
AC 1.2 Explain how environments support play.
AC 1.3 Explain how to work with others to create enabling play environments in early years settings.

3. 1. Understand the play environment (1.1)
Time: 15 mins
What are your earliest memories of a favourite play area?
Consider:
A family garden
A local park
A forest
A beach
An indoor soft play centre
A nursery or school playground
Why do you remember this space?

4. 1. Understand the play environment (1.1)
Children do not need expensive equipment in order to play.
Children will play wherever their imagination takes them.
A table can become a cave, a cardboard box can become a pirate ship, and a saucepan can suddenly become a hat.

5. 1. Understand the play environment (1.1)
Encourages imagination
Gives children choices
Is safe
Stimulates children
Challenges children
Meets individual needs
Is all around us
Is exciting
Includes everyone
Empowers children
Is welcoming.
Has a positive atmosphere

6. 1. Understand the play environment (1.1)
Time: 15 mins
Imagine that your partner is a new parent/carer who is deciding whether to send their child to your setting. Describe your play environment to them.
Consider:
Layout
Equipment
Choices
Indoor
Outdoor
Individual needs.
Learners should describe their own setting’s play environment in a way that shows how positive an environment it is.

7. 1. Understand the play environment (1.2)
How the environment supports play
An early years setting will have a range of toys and equipment for children to play with, but they will also provide space for children to make their own play.
Children love to explore, imagine and invent.
Any safe environment can support play, but the environment needs to be positive and welcoming for children to want to play.
The environment should be stimulating but not too busy, or children will become distracted when playing.

8. 1. Understand the play environment (1.2)
Time: 20 mins
Create a floor plan for a new nursery showing where you would place activities and equipment.
Consider:
The age of the children
A variety of equipment
Space for imagination
Indoor and outdoor space
Safety considerations
Meeting individual needs.
Be prepared to explain how your environment will support a variety of types of play.
Learners will need a large piece of paper for this activity.
As a group, they can base their ideas on a combination of all their settings.
They should include space for quiet play, as well as space to run around.

9. 1. Understand the play environment (1.3)
Working with others
Practitioners can work with others to create an enabling play environment.
The team may work together to change the layout of the environment to make it more suitable for the children who use it.
The setting may get outside professionals to come in and redesign the outdoor play environment to make it more exciting and stimulating.
Practitioners may work with parents/carers to create a home corner that reflects the diversity of the local community.

10. 1. Understand the play environment (1.2, 1.3)
Time: 15 mins
Discuss how your setting’s play environment is organised.
Consider:
Does the layout of the environment change from time to time?
Are children asked about the play environment and what they would like to do with it?
Are others involved in planning the play environment?
Does the play environment have a positive and welcoming feel?
Is the outdoor play environment well used?
If you could change one thing about the play environment in your setting, what would it be and why?
Learners should discuss their own setting and share positive environments as well areas for development.
Learners should be encouraged to discuss what makes a good play environment and how this can be achieved.

11. 1. Understand the play environment (1.2)
Time: 15 mins
Use the following link to find out information about your local park or play areas:
Choose two children’s play areas close to you and, using this website, research what they have to offer.
Consider:
Facilities
Opening times
Special events
Which one do you think has the best play environment for children of all ages?
Why do you think that is?
Learners could use their own knowledge of local outdoor spaces, but this weblink enables them to look at a variety in their local area.

12. 1. Understand the play environment (1.2)
Time: 15 mins
Create an information leaflet that explains that play environments do not have to be full of expensive equipment, and show how children can benefit from playing with cardboard boxes.
Consider:
Children using their imagination
Using a range of boxes
What could be added to make them even more stimulating
How this activity will support specific areas of development.
Learners can show how this activity will support play and can promote imagination, co-ordination, problem solving, socialising, language and creative development.

13. Summary Play environments are all around us.
A supportive, positive play environment will encourage children to play and develop their skills.
Everyone has a part to play in creating an enabling play environment.

14. Plenary
Describe three things you would have to take into account when planning a play environment.
Identify three areas of development that would be supported by a positive play environment.
What makes a perfect play environment?