Early Years

Play is at the core of the EYFS Curriculum at BST, underpinning all aspects of child development. Through both child-led and open-ended play, children have the opportunity to develop key problem-solving skills, support social engagement and allow students to delve deeper into their own learning journeys. Play itself gives children different sensory, physical and cognitive experiences that are essential to build deeper connections in the brain. Play-based learning helps a child develop holistically, promoting confidence and motivation, and practicing cognitive skills. Through a play-based approach, children are motivated to take on new challenges which are purposeful and meaningful. Students have the opportunity to engage both independently and collectively alongside their peers as they take on new challenges whether that be building a new track out of complex construction materials or experimenting with colour mixing in the painting areas.

A play-based learning approach at BST consists of carefully planned and well-resourced areas of learning, allowing students to choose their own activities and challenges for the day as they pursue their own interests. There is always an array of opportunities available to students to develop their own lines of inquiry. Play in itself allows students to progress right across the curriculum where passionate EY staff are always on hand to support and extend learners through high quality questioning techniques. Areas of learning are adjusted to meet the needs of the cohort as well as developed over time to support focussed inputs that take place throughout the play, providing real-life learning experiences to all students.