March 6, 2025Tamsin Grimmer
Play Matters is a guide which champions the power of play in early childhood. It was edited by Dr Aaron Bradbury and was written collaboratively by over 60 early childhood professionals and experts in their field. It has chapters which link play to the following themes: joy, playful learning from birth, the playful brain, quality play, technology, SEND, physical development, early years curriculum, school based settings, sustainability, love and nurture, play therapy and challenging play.
The foreword was written by acclaimed author Michael Rosen, and chapters chaired by experts in the field of including Sue Cowley, Ruth Swailes, Dr Viki Veale, David Wright, Dr Angela Scollan, Dawn Wayne, Philippa Thompson, Tamsin Grimmer, Dr Karen Boardman, Dr Pam Jarvis and Dr Kate Renshaw. Play Matters challenges traditional perceptions of play, emphasising its critical role in fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Although Play Matters is evidence-based, drawing upon research and literature to substantiate claims made, the strength in Play Matters lies in how what is written is directly linked to practice. There are case studies, reflection points and key questions which illustrate tenable the reader to reflect upon their own practice in the light of the document.
Kinderly’s content manager, Tamsin Grimmer, who was involved in writing the document said:
“I really enjoyed being on the editorial team of Play Matters. It reminded me of how Birth to Five Matters came about and was written. I was responsible for drawing together two chapters; one on Play, Love and Nurture, and the other on Challenging Play, which considered some common play behaviours which are often misinterpreted as misbehaviour: risky play, weapon play, rough and tumble play and schematic play. I highly recommend you read and share this guide with your colleagues – it is great and you won’t be disappointed!”
Play Matters is more than a guide, it’s a movement to reclaim the joy and importance of play within early childhood. Available on the 18th March 2025 for download at early-years-reviews.com and many other organisations who are going to champion play. This resource aims to influence both individual practices and educational policies worldwide.
Come and hear Dr Aaron Bradbury share more information about Play Matters in our free March webinar on Wednesday 26th March, 8-9pm.