Why Play Isn’t Just Fun: The Science Behind Early Years Development
The early years sector prepared for significant updates to the EYFS framework, which came into effect in September 2025 and there was a renewed conversation about what truly matters in childhood development. Whilst the reforms focus on enhancing safeguarding measures and strengthening protocols, one early years expert is reminding us not to lose sight of something fundamental: the power of play.
Katie Hall, EYFS practitioner and Director at Springboard Supplies, has more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She has witnessed firsthand how play-based learning shapes young minds and believes that, while regulatory frameworks provide essential structure, it’s the essence of play that truly nurtures a child’s development.
“With more than 15 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of play,” Hall explains. “With the changes in policy and funding challenges faced in EYFS, it’s crucial to advocate for play-based learning as a key component of early childhood education.”
But what makes play so crucial, and why should parents and educators prioritise it in an increasingly structured educational landscape?
The Science of Play: Building Neural Pathways
Play isn’t simply about keeping children entertained – it’s fundamentally about brain development. Hall explains: “Play is a fundamental aspect of the UK’s EYFS curriculum because of extensive research highlighting its critical role in children’s development. Through play, children develop skills that enhance their emotional and cognitive growth.”
During the crucial 0-5 age range, children’s brains undergo an extraordinary rate of development. Every interaction, every sensory experience, and every moment of exploration helps form neural pathways that will support them throughout their lives.
How Play Shapes Young Minds
Play enables children to engage in active learning, explore their creativity, build problem-solving skills and learn the rules of social interaction. For those aged 0-5, sensory and exploratory play helps to form neural pathways that support everything from motor skills and memory to emotional regulation and understanding social cues.
Hall warns of the consequences when play is neglected: “The absence of these types of play can stifle creativity and critical thinking skills, making it difficult for children to adapt to new challenges in a school environment.”
The Theoretical Foundation
The educational theory underpinning the EYFS’s focus on play is primarily rooted in constructivist approaches, notably influenced by seminal theorists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. These theories emphasise that children learn best through active engagement and exploration, allowing them to construct knowledge through hands-on experiences.
Hall notes: “Play is viewed as a natural context for learning, where children can experiment, test ideas and develop social skills in a supportive environment. This approach supports a belief that meaningful interactions and play-based learning contribute toward deeper understanding and retention of concepts, ultimately preparing children for future academic success.”
The Cost of Insufficient Play
Whilst society often views play as a luxury or reward, the research tells a different story. The implications of inadequate play opportunities extend far beyond immediate developmental delays.
Emotional and Behavioural Impact
Hall highlights concerning trends: “Without adequate play, children may experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to emotional and behavioural issues, and social skills can be underdeveloped, resulting in difficulties in forming relationships with peers.”
Long-Term Academic Consequences
The impact doesn’t stop at the nursery door. According to experts at Springboard Supplies, these deficiencies can contribute to a widening achievement gap, as children who miss out on play-based learning may struggle to keep pace with their more play-experienced counterparts.
Hall emphasises: “The bottom line is that failure to provide high-quality and varied forms of play can significantly hinder children’s holistic development, leaving them less prepared for the challenges of school and life.”
Sensory Play: Fundamental, Not Optional
One of Hall’s key messages is about the non-negotiable nature of sensory play in early development. “A mantra of ours here at Springboard Supplies is that sensory play is fundamental, not optional,” she states.
The Most Effective Learning Resources
Through working with nurseries and reception settings, Hall has identified which resources prove most effective in supporting development. The most loved and effective products are those which help support multiple areas of development and touch on several of the seven learning domains at once.
Multi-Purpose Learning Tools
Puppets and storytelling aids support speech, role-play, emotional literacy and social confidence. River stones and obstacle planks strengthen gross motor skills whilst prompting collaborative play and problem-solving. Tuff trays and sand pits combine tactile exploration with language-rich storytelling opportunities.
Hall explains: “Play develops how children will think, question and relate to others around them. Our most popular resources among nurseries and reception settings include threading sets, textured blocks, and emotion cards, which act as tools to help children build essential connections in the brain.”
The Reality of Current Funding Challenges
Whilst the benefits of play-based learning are clear, Hall acknowledges the difficult conditions facing EYFS settings. “Funding remains one of the most worrying concerns for many providers, and a lack of it in core areas like resources is putting children’s development at risk.”
Innovation Without Breaking the Bank
However, Hall offers reassurance that effective play-based learning doesn’t require enormous budgets. “Innovation needn’t mean spending more: the bells and whistles of technology have their place, but ultimately, the most valued classroom tools are those which are reusable, multi-functional and adaptable across different age groups and topics.”
This practical approach recognises the financial constraints facing many settings whilst maintaining focus on what truly matters for child development.
A Call to Policy Makers
As the EYFS framework undergoes reforms, Hall has an important message for decision-makers. “We want to urge policy makers behind the EYFS to recognise that adequately resourced nurseries are not a luxury, but a necessity.”
With safeguarding measures rightly taking centre stage in the upcoming reforms, there’s a risk that administrative requirements might overshadow the fundamental importance of play-based learning. Hall’s expertise reminds us that regulatory compliance and developmental excellence must work hand in hand.
Looking Forward
With the September 2025 implementation of EYFS reforms, the early years sector faces both opportunities and challenges. Strengthening safeguarding practices is undoubtedly crucial, but so too is maintaining the quality of play-based learning that forms the foundation of childhood development.
For parents choosing early years settings and educators planning their provision, the message is clear: play isn’t frivolous. It’s the essential building block of cognitive, emotional and social development that will shape children’s entire educational journey and beyond.