Parents Dive into the Early Years Experience

Last week, the Early Years team flipped the script on the typical school workshop. No PowerPoint slides, no polite nodding from the back row. Instead, parents were invited to step into their children’s shoes – quite literally, and explore the world of learning through play.

From the moment parents walked in, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a sit-and-listen kind of session. Tables were covered in materials, provocations were thoughtfully laid out and the invitation was simple: get stuck in. And they did. With sleeves rolled up and curiousity switched on, parents built, experimented, imagined and problem-solved, just like their children do every day.

This wasn’t just about fun (though there was plenty of that!), the morning was designed to give parents a deeper look into how play fuels independence, sharpens thinking and nurtures the kind of learning that sticks. Through hands-on activities, they saw how giving children space to explore, rather than step-by-step instructions, leads to richer, more meaningful discoveries.

One standout moment? A challenge where parents had to choose between being “shown” how to complete a task or figuring it out themselves. The difference was striking. Those who took the independent route lit up with excitement as they uncovered their own solutions, a powerful reminder of how children thrive when given the freedom to imagine and create.

The session also zoomed in on the quieter magic of play: how it builds self-regulation, language and relationships. Parents reflected on the value of slowing down at home, ditching the rush and embracing those long, meandering conversations that help children express themselves and grow in confidence.

By the end of the morning, parents weren’t just leaving with paint on their hands and smiles on their faces. They walked away with practical strategies, fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of partnership with the school, ready to support their children’s learning journey.