Child development through play imperative in early learning

Dubai - The Early Years Education Conference held in Dubai brought to the fore the importance of early year's play.

Understanding the vital importance of early years learning through play for a child's cognitive development was thoroughly explored at the Early Years Education Conference held in Dubai recently. 

The event brought together parents and owners, managers, and practitioners in schools, kindergartens and nurseries from across the region to gather and learn from the experts the role of early year's play in the emotional and mental growth of a child and the various settings in which it can be implemented. 

Through the presentations, attendees learnt how to expand child's play to promote higher levels of engagement and learning. 

Experts also pointed out that active play serves as a healthier alternative to screen addiction, a growing phenomenon among younger children. 

The forum explored different types of play opportunities that early years settings can offer. There are three key ways in which play can be structured and organised: adult-led play, adult-initiated play and child-initiated play. 

For a child, a play setting where he/she can experiment without inhibitions is the first building block towards self-discovery. 

Psychology has proven that early years play is instrumental in developing a child's creative skills, boosting imagination and dexterity as well as physical, cognitive and emotional strength. 

Vandana Gandhi, Founder and CEO of British Orchard Nursery, said: "Early year's emotional and mental growth is no child's play - in a manner of speaking - but requires careful planning for best possible outcome. The fact remains that children get bored easily, which is why we need to infuse their day's activities with a fun element."
 
Presenting the salient features of EYFS, Lynne Saint, Business and Training Manager & CACHE Centre Manager, British Orchard Centre added: "EYFS is an effective model for educators seeking Continuing Professional Development or CPD. The framework works as a guide to develop Early Year's setting's policies and procedure, create a staff well-versed with latest tools of early year's development and help put together a successful curriculum among other benefits."

The event was jointly organised and hosted by British Orchard Nursery's Teachers Training Academy in partnership with CACHE, the UK's leading early years awarding organisation. Speakers at the forum included representatives from the Ministry of Education, KHDA, Early Years Experts from the UK, CACHE Specialists and educationists.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com