I made a unicorn

Play is basic to a child’s well-being and proper development. It isn’t just a recreation – it’s an approach to life! Play involves the whole being: mind, body, and spirit. Through play, a child explores the things around them, express their feelings and thoughts, and cope with difficulty. Children’s play must be respected. This short course by CACHE looks at children’s play, the need for them in their growing up phase, the various play opportunities, and how you as adults can interact with and support them in this.
This course may also be of interest to parents and carers.

Learning outcomes

You will gain an understanding of the play opportunities found in materials and nature, and the importance of a relaxed, no-pressure approach to time in open-ended play
You will know how to support children using unit blocks and small-world play, and appreciate the positive effects this type of play can have on child development
You will be introduced to the twelve features of play, as defined by Tina Bruce
You will understand why children of all ages need abundant time for active free-flow play, and how adults can show the children they support that they respect this
Electronic activities for children and their usefulness and relevance to child development will be explored, and questions will be asked about the long-term effects of such play
You will be shown suggestions for ideas and activities for different types of play, as well as practitioner accounts of play activities they have initiated with the children they support

Advantages of this course

A wealth of open-ended play can build a foundation of confidence that enables children to take responsibility and meet life with determination and joy. This short course will help you to create, lead, and reflect on play opportunities for children.
With the increase in electronic activities being used for play, this course will consider their usefulness and relevance to child development. Ways to encourage children to play in more natural environments, and interact with peers will be considered.
Reading texts, case studies, website and video resources are used to explore play in more detail and additional activities encourage you to reflect on your learning

On completion of this course, you will have the option of purchasing a CACHE certificate. This certificate must not be confused with nationally regulated qualification achievement.

Endorsement statement

Our short course has been reviewed by a Subject Specialist in childcare and endorsed by CACHE demonstrating the quality and rigor. CACHE is a trading name of NCFE (registered company number 02896700) and CACHE; Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education; and NNEB are registered trademarks owned by NCFE. This is an unregulated programme and is not a nationally recognised qualification.