Nursery World - EYFS best practice in schools: Role play

Even the youngest children role play, but the activity takes on whole new meanings and imaginative potential with Reception pupils, explains Charlotte Goddard

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Whether it is playing mothers and fathers in the home or superheroes battling villains in a magical land, role play has always been a crucial part of children’s play and development. Schools are increasingly aware of the importance of this kind of imaginative play, and opportunities for it have opened up as settings dedicate more time to outdoor play. However, schools also face barriers in their delivery of this vital part of provision.

‘Although there have been some real developments in practice because of the outdoor emphasis, there is still pressure to develop the school readiness agenda,’ says Professor Sue Rogers at the Institute of Education, University College London.

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