The Pedagogy of Play: Research-Informed Early Years Practice
Week 1 – The Neuroscience of Play - Inspired by the work of Ben Kingston-Hughes
Play is far more than a break from learning—it is a powerful part of how young children explore, connect and develop. Inspired by the work of Ben Kingston-Hughes, this session explores the relationship between play, emotion, engagement and brain development. We’ll consider how joyful, meaningful play experiences can support curiosity, creativity, relationships and children’s capacity to learn.
Week 2 – Imagination, Risk and High-Stakes Role Play Inspired by the work of Ben Kingston-Hughes
Imaginative play gives children opportunities to explore exciting ideas, test boundaries and make sense of experiences within the safety of play. Inspired by the work of Ben Kingston-Hughes, this session explores the value of appropriate risk, adventure and ‘high-stakes’ role play in developing creativity, problem-solving, confidence and resilience, while considering how adults can support rich play without unnecessarily limiting children’s ideas.
Week 3 – Sustained Shared Thinking Inspired by Professor Iram Siraj
Some of the most powerful learning happens when adults and children think, explore and solve problems together. Inspired by the work of Professor Iram Siraj, this session explores sustained shared thinking and how purposeful interactions can extend children’s ideas, language and understanding. We’ll consider practical ways practitioners can listen, question and wonder alongside children while keeping their thinking and curiosity at the heart of the interaction.
Week 4 – Emotional Wellbeing and Co-Constructing Learning Inspired by Professor Iram Siraj
Children learn best when they feel secure, valued and actively involved in their experiences. Inspired by the work of Professor Iram Siraj, this session explores the relationship between emotional wellbeing, responsive adult interactions and co-constructed learning. We’ll consider how practitioners can build trusting relationships, follow children’s thinking and work alongside them to create meaningful learning experiences that promote confidence, engagement and development.
Week 5 – Engagement as the Driver of Learning Inspired by Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg
Deep engagement creates powerful opportunities for children to explore, practise and extend their learning. Inspired by the work of Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, this session considers how children’s interests, purposeful provision and responsive adult interactions can support sustained involvement. We’ll explore how practitioners can recognise genuine engagement and use it as a starting point for meaningful learning, while balancing child-led exploration with intentional teaching.
Week 6 – Child-Led Learning and Responsive Practice Inspired by Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg
Child-led learning begins with noticing what captures children’s curiosity and using this as a meaningful starting point for learning. Inspired by the work of Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, this session explores how practitioners can respond to children’s interests, ideas and play while introducing purposeful challenge at the right moment. We’ll consider how balancing child-led exploration with skilful adult interaction can create engaging, responsive learning experiences that support meaningful progress.