The Value of Play for Babies and Young Children

Know the importance of play to a child's development.

Additional details

Learners need to consider how play can support young children's development. Some examples may include:

• the opportunity to explore their world in a safe and secure environment
• it is fun
• learning new skills

Learners need to consider each area of development and identify the value of play for each one. 

• physical - opportunity to practise fine and gross motor skills
• social and emotional - one-to one interaction with another child or adult, experience different emotions such as pleasure, sense of satisfaction, frustration
• intellectual - sensory experiences, simple problem solving
• language - making eye contact, babbling, playing with different sounds

The learner needs to give examples of how the needs of the individual child can be met through play. For example the adult may be carrying out daily routine care such as bathing but encouraging play with toys, sponges etc.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  State ways play can support young children's development.
• 1.2
  Outline the value of play for young children in the following development areas:
  • Physical
  • Social
  • Emotional
  • Intellectual
  • Language
• 1.3
  Give examples of how play can be used to meet children's individual needs.

Know different play types suitable for babies and young children from birth to 5 years 11 months.

Additional details

The learner needs to give different examples of play for different ages of children. Types of play can include physical, imaginative, construction, sand and water, social play, music, stories and rhymes, creative play. Types of play can be categorised in different ways but are equally valid.

 Learners need to know the importance of having all play types available during play sessions. 

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Identify different types of play activities and the resources to support play for the following age ranges:
  • Babies birth to 11 months
  • Babies 1 year to 1 year 11 months
  • Children aged 2 years to 2 years 11 months
  • Children aged 3 years to 3 year
• 2.2
  State why it is important that all play types are available at each play session.

Know the role of the adult in providing play.

Additional details

The learner needs to understand the importance of the adult's role in children's play. Examples of how they support play may include:

• providing appropriate play materials and equipment to meet the needs of the child
• making sure the play environment is safe and secure
• asking and answering questions to enhance or extend play

Learners need to know that although every child will go through the same stages of development they will not necessarily do so at the same pace. 

Some examples of how adults can work together for the child include:

• sharing relevant information about the child within the bounds of confidentiality
• recommending ways to support and promote their development
• raising concerns with appropriate colleagues
• acknowledging achievements

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Give examples of the role of the adult in supporting young children's play.
• 3.2
  Outline the importance of age/stage appropriate adult and child interaction.
• 3.3
  Identify ways early years staff and parents/carers need to work together to support children's learning and development.