Nursery World - Look at the evidence for play and participation

Creativity and Critical Thinking is central to an effective early years curriculum and pedagogy, argue Professor Chris Pascal and Professor Tony Bertram

The current EYFS supports a play-based pedagogic approach and advocates the centrality of the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) which are fundamental to the development of every child as a lifelong learner. It acknowledges that it is an early years practitioners’ responsibility to support the development of these skills during the crucial formative years from birth to five.

Research has shown that it is these skills that make a difference to children’s long term outcomes and to their ability to become happy, resourceful and resilient adults. The Characteristics of Effective Learning and the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning and Development are all interconnected. The Characteristics focus on how children learn rather than what they learn. This distinction is important as it highlights the process of learning for young children. Added to these aspects of development we would add Emotional Wellbeing, as providing a bedrock for a child’s healthy progress. The CoEL include:

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