EYP 8: Promote play in an Early Years Setting

The “Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner” prepares individuals for meaningful roles in early childhood education, equipping them with the essential skills required to support young children’s development. One significant unit in this qualification is “EYP 8: Promote play in an Early Years Setting.” This unit emphasises the importance of play as a fundamental aspect of children’s learning and development.

Promoting play is vital because play is the primary way through which young children explore their environment, understand the world around them, and develop critical skills. This unit teaches practitioners the various types of play, such as free play, structured play, and imaginative play, and the benefits each type offers. Whether it’s building with blocks, engaging in role-play, or participating in games, each activity helps children enhance their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Practitioners learn how to create an environment that encourages play by providing a variety of materials and resources that stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity. They also learn to observe children during play to understand their interests and developmental needs better, enabling them to tailor experiences that support individual growth. Importantly, this unit covers how to facilitate inclusive play opportunities where all children, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can participate and thrive.

The role of the practitioner in promoting play is not just about providing toys and activities but also about being an active participant and guide in children’s play experiences. By understanding the profound impact of play, practitioners can foster a learning environment that is both enjoyable and educational. This unit is crucial as it shapes the practitioner’s approach to early years education, ensuring that play is effectively utilised as a powerful tool for fostering development and learning in young children.

Answers and Guides

1. Understand the play environment

• 1.1 Explain what is meant by ‘the play environment’
• 1.2 Explain how environments support play

2. Understand how the Early Years Practitioner supports children’s behaviour and socialisation within play environments

• 2.1 Describe the role of the Early Years Practitioner in supporting children’s socialisation within play environments
• 2.2 Give examples to explain how the Early Years Practitioner’s behaviour can impact on and influence babies and young children

3. Be able to promote positive behaviour

• 3.1 Model positive behaviour to encourage social skills within an Early Years Setting as appropriate to the stage and needs of individual children

4. Be able to support different types of play for babies and young children

• 4.1 Describe benefits of: physical play, creative play, imaginative play, sensory play, heuristic play
• 4.2 Promote activities which support babies and young children’s: physical play, creative play, imaginative play, sensory play, heuristic play