Unit 6 Supporting children’s play

Learning Outcomes LO4 Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children. AC 4.1 Describe how an enabling play environment meets the age, stage and needs of children. AC 4.2 Create an enabling play environment. AC 4.3 Reflect on own role in creating enabling play environments.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.1) Time: 15 mins Describe your ideal learning environment. Consider: Space Colour Lighting Sound Furniture Equipment Why do these things help you to study?

Enabling play environments 4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.1) Enabling play environments An enabling environment is one that makes children feel safe, secure and welcome. An enabling play environment needs to be suitable for the age, stage and needs of the children who are using it. There will be different areas and activities within the environment that will stretch and challenge children. There will also be spaces where children can use their imagination and have free-choice play.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.1) Time: 20 mins You are going to describe your setting’s play environment area by area or room by room to the rest of your group. As you describe your setting you are going to consider: Areas or rooms for different ages Toys and equipment for different ages How children are supported to move on to their next stage of development How specific individual needs are met As each person describes part of their setting, you can write down anything that is similar in your setting. This activity will enable learners to describe specific areas such as the baby room or the pre-school room, and show how the environment is age and stage appropriate. Learners should also be encouraged to explain how children are moved on to their next stage, for example, by having puzzles of varying difficulties so children are challenged.

Enabling play environments 4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.2) Enabling play environments As previously discussed, enabling play environments do not have to be full of expensive equipment. Covering the home corner with a large blanket will turn it into a dark area where children can explore light and dark. Putting junk modelling materials in the sand gives children the opportunity to experiment with different materials.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.2) Time: 15 mins Briefly explain what you discussed during the Group activity to your partner. Now discuss how you could change one element of your setting’s play environment to stimulate and challenge the children to play differently with toys and equipment. Consider: A different approach to setting out everyday toys Responding to children’s recent interests The use of sound or smells to make the children curious Your role in making the area an enabling play environment. Learners should consider options they have not seen in the setting: Setting out animals or dinosaurs on a series of ‘hills’ covered with a cloth Moving a couple of tables around to create a different shape to play or work round Calming music in the book area to encourage children to relax.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.2) Time: 20 mins Describe how you are going to contribute to creating an enabling play environment. Look around your setting, talk to other practitioners, and consider: The physical environment Developing social skills Reflecting interests and backgrounds Your own attitudes and behaviours. Learners should document how they can create an enabling play environment. This information can be shared with both the supervisor and placement assessor. Learners should be encouraged to carry out some of their suggestions or recommendations.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.3) Reflect on own role You are now ready to reflect on your own role in creating enabling play environments. It is important that you look at what went well, what didn’t go to plan, and why this might be.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.3) Time: 15 mins How effective are you in creating enabling play environments? Consider: Meeting individual needs Planning age-appropriate activities Using stage-appropriate toys Your own involvement in the activities and the environment. This activity should encourage learners to reflect on the whole unit.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.3) Time: 15 mins Discuss the benefits of an enabling play environment to the learning and development of all children. Consider: What might happen if the environment was uninviting and dull What the benefits are of reflecting on children’s interests in planning Why must practitioners be positive and upbeat when working with children? Describe one thing you will do differently to ensure the children always experience an enabling play environment. This class discussion will enable learners to further share good practice.

4. Be able to create an enabling play environment which meets the age, stage and needs of children (4.2) Time: 15 mins You have been given £1,000 to buy equipment to make the toddler room an even more enabling play environment. List what you would buy and why. Consider: The age and stage of the children Meeting individual needs The space available Indoor and outdoor equipment. Learners should be given access to catalogues or the internet. Choices must be backed up with reasons, for example: Large primary-coloured bean bags for the book corner, which will encourage children to sit together when looking at books.

Summary The play environment must be planned to meet the age, stage and needs of all children. Everyone has a role to play in creating an enabling play environment. Reflecting on the environment will enable practitioners to make improvements.

Plenary Explain the difference between the age and the stage of a child. How can you make the play environment exciting and stimulating without incurring any cost? Give two examples. Identify one skill that you have that will contribute to an enabling play environment.