The importance of play based learning in early childhood
20th June 2026
Play-based learning is at the heart of the Braeside Thika Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It recognises that young children learn best not through formal instruction, but through hands-on experiences, exploration and meaningful play. This approach is enjoyable and essential for healthy development across all areas of learning. Children thrive, grow in independence and confidence and pick language as they explore.
They are likely to engage in conversations more and share ideas freely in less formal situations. This can be seen as they build castles and volcanoes in the sand, tidy up resources after play and as they discover and talk about the differences and similarities in insects. The idea is to let children follow their interests while still meeting learning goals.
