Not enough time in primary schools is devoted to learning through play, writes Dr Helena Bunn. We should take a lesson from countries where formal education begins much later, thinks Michael PykeIt is vital to a child’s early development that they are given ample time to experiment, be creative and learn through play in a purposeful way, rather than being confined to their desks (Do we really expect five-year-olds to sit at desks? I want a school that understands play is learning, 29 October).Time allocated for non-traditional learning such as outdoor learning in the school day has been eroded in recent years, while research shows that only one in three primary school pupils in the UK meet the in-school target of half an hour of physical activity every day. This is despite evidence which shows that pupils learn best through supported play experiences and outdoor exploration. Continue reading...
Tuesday 4 November 2025
.theguardian - 21 hours ago
It’s time to get serious about children’s play | Letters
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