An Introduction to Loose Parts Play

Unlock the transformative power of everyday objects in play! Are you a play worker, primary school teacher, early years educator, or a professional passionate about enriching children’s learning experiences? This engaging one-hour online course from Smart Play Network is your essential first step into the world of loose parts play.

Designed as a perfect introduction or a powerful reminder for busy practitioners, this course will equip you with a foundational understanding of how open-ended materials can ignite creativity, foster critical thinking, and support holistic child development in any setting.

In this course, you will learn to:

• Define Loose Parts: Understand what “loose parts” truly are and their profound significance in child-led play.
• Create Engaging Environments: Discover practical principles for sourcing safe, versatile materials and designing play spaces that invite exploration and autonomy.
• Master the Adult’s Role: Shift your approach from direction to facilitation, learning how to observe, question, and support children’s self-directed play effectively.
• Ensure Safety with Confidence: Grasp key health and safety considerations, including dynamic risk assessment, to create a secure yet stimulating play environment.
• Spark Simple Play Ideas: Gain immediate inspiration for incorporating loose parts into diverse activities, from imaginative construction to sensory exploration.

This course is delivered in a professionally informal tone, making complex concepts accessible and practical for a diverse UK workforce. With interactive quizzes to test your understanding, you’ll gain valuable insights that you can implement straight away.

Join us to discover why loose parts play is a vital approach for nurturing independent, resilient, and imaginative learners. This course is your ideal stepping stone to further practical training with Smart Play Network!