Learn To Play Play To Learn

A collaboration between AiR and Surestart Speke, a pilot programme was devised to encourage creative, accessible play between parents and young children in the Speke area.

Sessions were held at Speke Youth and Community Centre where a large play room was set up for different activities each week. The sessions included healthy eating breaks that also gave the opportunity for parents and tutors to discuss their children and their daily lives. Parents became more confident about discussing their childs progress.

Core activities included:

• Sandy / Rice Play
• A quiet reading / chill out tent
• Pretend /dressing up time
• Rhyme time
• Heuristic play (play with everyday or found objects)

The work was finally accredited Merseyside Open College Network, allowing parents to receive a qualification in Valuing Creative Play. All participants gained a Level One from MOCN (equal to a BTEC NVQ Level One)

Surestart Speke are considering developing this programme at their new Family Centre in Speke.