Janine GriffithsA leading UK childcare provider that operates several nurseries in East Leeds has launched a new publication designed to help local families understand how play supports child development.
Partou unveiled its Guide to Play to mark the International Day of Play in support of its charity partner UNICEF.
The publication was developed using responses from 869 educators and identifies what Partou describes as ‘The Five Big Play Truths.’ These include the ideas that outdoor play is real learning, sensory play builds brains, stories and songs still matter most, imagination is serious work, and children do not need more toys.
The findings showed strong support among educators for outdoor activities, with 80% agreeing that outdoor play is a top activity across all early years age groups. Physical development was identified as the main benefit.
Sensory play, often referred to by families as messy play, was also highlighted as a key experience. Almost nine in 10 educators identified it as important, while 95% said it was a favourite activity for babies aged up to two years old.
Kirsty Jackson, Partou’s Co-Managing Director, said: “Play is how young children learn to understand the world around them. It supports everything from language and social development to emotional confidence, creativity and resilience.
“Our educators are highly skilled in recognising how different types of play support different areas of development and create experiences that help children learn naturally through curiosity, exploration and interaction.
“The ‘Partou Guide to Play’ shares some of that expertise with families, helping them to feel confident that everyday moments of play at home can have a hugely positive impact on their child’s development.”
The publication combines practical ideas for families with expert insights into how play helps children build confidence, communication skills, resilience, independence and emotional wellbeing during the critical early years.
Through its partnership with UNICEF UK, the childcare provider is supporting International Day of Play to champion every child’s right to play and to raise awareness of the importance of play to healthy childhood development.
The publication is available for families to access free of charge.
The “Partou Guide to Play” can be accessed on the Partou website.
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