Letting kids be kids at school means giving them time for play, creativity and fun, which is essential for their healthy development. When children are allowed to explore and express themselves, they build stronger thinking skills, make friends more easily and learn how to solve problems.
Play is not just a break from learning. It actually helps children grow in confidence and understanding. You might notice that when your child laughs, draws or creates something new with classmates, they are also building important life skills.
Activities that encourage imagination and socialisation, like shared games or simple art projects, help your child communicate and learn about their world. This is why schools that value play and creativity give children a strong and happy start.
If you want your child to do well in school and life, supporting these joyful and creative experiences matters.
Here, we cover why the ethos of 'let kids be kids' is highly important to supporting healthy development in children, and how we nurture this in school.
The role of play in children’s school experiences
It's easy to view play as a fun activity and nothing more, but it's a key element of child development. It shapes the brains of children, builds vital social skills and gives them safe places to learn and grow.
Why play matters for brain development
The brains of children make new connections when they engage in play. Activities like building with blocks, role-playing and drawing help children practise solving problems, think creatively and remember details. This hands-on learning is essential because play supports key cognitive skills needed for school and daily life.
Play also lets children explore new ideas in a safe environment without the pressure of making mistakes. Through pretend games or experiments, they test possibilities and learn how things work. Children who have room to play often show better attention spans and curiosity in the classroom.
Play as a foundation for social skills and friendships
Playing with others supports the development of friendships in children and helps them learn to share, listen and express their feelings. When your child joins a group game, they practise taking turns, following rules and noticing how others feel.
Social play builds empathy and cooperation. It creates opportunities for happier children as they celebrate wins, solve conflicts respectfully and learn the benefit of carrying out acts of kindness. Some activities, such as role play or team sports, encourage children to work together and try different roles, which builds trust and communication skills.
You will notice that children with strong play experiences often do better with group tasks both in and outside the classroom. These skills support your child’s future relationships and make them more adaptable in new situations.
Outdoor environments and green space: safe havens for learning
Spending time in outdoor environments, especially green spaces, supports safer and healthier child development. When your child plays outside, their bodies stay active and their minds get a break from screens and indoor noise. Schools that offer a forest school provide the perfect on-site environment for pupils to benefit.
Natural spaces also provide a secure backdrop where children can explore, make discoveries and take thoughtful risks. Outdoor play helps children focus, improves attention and boosts happiness. Green space exposure has also been linked to lower stress and better social connections among pupils.
Schools that include green spaces create safe environments where children can move freely, try new things and learn about the world around them. Even simple outdoor activities can enhance problem-solving and teamwork skills, making outdoor play an important part of your child’s education in schools.
Boosting creativity and fun: shaping a positive school culture
Children thrive in settings where play, creativity and fun shape their daily experiences. Schools that emphasise these ideas help pupils become more confident and engaged learners by supporting their unique strengths and skills.
Nurturing expressive language and amazing skills
Developing expressive language skills allows children to speak up about their thoughts and feelings. Through storytelling, singing, drama and art, we help young learners find their voice and build communication skills. These activities make it easier for them to share, solve problems and work well with others.
When children have the chance for creativity in lessons, they learn to think in new and flexible ways. Setting up creative activities allows us to spot amazing skills, from drawing to building or using words in unique ways. Play-based tasks in classrooms help spark curiosity and strengthen both language and social skills.
Encouraging agency, independence and distinct childhood identities
When pupils are given more choices, they begin to feel a real sense of agency. They learn to make decisions, solve issues and take pride in what they have achieved. Tasks with open-ended goals, such as building models or writing stories, support your child's confidence and independence.
Teachers can help students discover their distinct childhood identities by allowing time for free play and creative projects. These moments allow them to show their interests and ideas separate from those of adults. Keeping school routines flexible gives children the space to develop and express who they are.
Maintaining the distinction between adult and child roles builds respect between education professionals and students. By recognising children’s unique needs, schools can offer the right support, helping each one to grow in their way.
Family involvement and school partnerships
Strong partnerships between families and schools play a key role in a child’s education. Regular family involvement provides better insight into your child’s growth, behaviour and progress, helping teachers tailor support to each pupil.
Taking part in fun school events, open days and home-based projects brings family time into the learning process. Parents and carers are encouraged to share feedback and ideas, making them true partners in shaping school culture.
Effective communication between education at school and families ensures both can support expressive language and creativity at home and in the classroom. When everyone works together, children benefit from a caring, connected environment that nurtures both learning and happiness.
Frequently asked questions
Letting children play at school helps them build social, emotional and thinking skills. A focus on creativity and fun supports better learning, problem-solving and wellbeing in the classroom and beyond.
What is the role of play in supporting child development?
Play helps children make sense of the world. Through play, they practise communication, teamwork and decision-making. It encourages curiosity and builds confidence, which are important for healthy development.
Many experts agree that play is the main way children engage with their surroundings and learn important life skills. High-quality play activities support emotional, social and mental growth.
How does creativity contribute to a child's learning experience?
Creativity lets children find new ways to solve problems and express their ideas. When they use their imagination, they develop critical thinking skills and become more flexible in how they learn.
Activities like arts and crafts or role-playing help children develop imagination and problem-solving skills.
What are the long-term benefits of prioritising fun in education?
Making learning fun helps children feel motivated and eager to go to school. It also lays the groundwork for lifelong curiosity and resilience.
Fun activities boost social and academic success, leading to happier children who are better prepared to handle future challenges.
Why is it important to maintain a balance between structured learning and play?
Mixing structured lessons with playtime leads to better focus, less stress and more enthusiasm in the classroom. Play helps children process new information and practice what they have learned.
A balanced approach encourages both academic progress and emotional stability. This balance supports children’s wellbeing and ongoing development.
What are the consequences of neglecting play and creativity in early childhood education?
Without enough play or creative expression, children can become anxious, withdrawn or less able to handle challenges. Their social and problem-solving skills may not develop as well.
Neglecting play and creativity limits opportunities for growth and can make learning feel harder or less enjoyable.
