Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to take steps to support nursery workers to encourage learning through play.

The early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) sets the standards and requirements that all early years providers must follow to ensure every child has the best start in life and is prepared for school. The EYFS is clear that children learn through play and that play is essential for children’s development. For example, singing songs helps to develop language comprehension, vocabulary, self-expression and literacy. Early years practitioners should carefully organise enabling environments and cultures for high quality play and are encouraged to create games and provide opportunity for play both indoors and outdoors.

The department is committed to supporting settings in how to practically deliver the EYFS well for the benefit of all children. A range of information and resources are available, such as ‘Development Matters’, help for early years providers and the Foundation Years website, which includes ideas for play-based learning activities.