Support children to learn through play

This standard identifies the requirements when you support children to learn through play. The standard includes participating in activities with children to encourage communication and language as well as physical, imaginative and creative play. The standard also includes encouraging children to explore and investigate. Finally, the standard includes how you contribute to the assessment of children’s learning through play

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1. use opportunities during play to encourage, support and model communication
2. support children in developing emotional regulation during play 
3. communicate with children in a way that meets their preferences and needs 
4. provide equipment and materials for a variety of play and creativity, incorporating sustainable practices
5. support children to select their preferred equipment and materials 
6. provide opportunities for children to explore and connect with natural environments 
7. support opportunities for children to participate in unstructured play with or without others 
8. support children to play out roles they see at home and in the world around them 
9. encourage participation in a range of creative activities 
10. support children to share and display their creations in ways that supports their choices and self-esteem 
11. encourage and support the inclusion of children in physical play 
12. encourage children to take part in physical play using their whole bodies 
13. provide opportunities for children to develop their fine motor skills 
14. supervise play whilst supporting the benefits of positive risk taking 
15. support children to ask questions and develop an attitude of open enquiry 
16. use opportunities for children to take turns or share space, and consider others 
17. support children to explore and investigate community resources 
18. organise environments to be free and safe for children to explore  
19. observe children learning through play 
20. contribute to records and reports required for supporting children to learn through play 
21. reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities when supporting children to learn through play

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1. the different types of play 
2. how to support creativity and participation of children
3. how play, routines and activities support the development of social and life skills 
4. how play, routines and activities support the development of emotions and emotional regulation
5. the importance of playfulness, kindness and compassion in supporting children to learn through play
6. how to use music, movement, songs and games to support children to learn
7. types of materials and equipment that support learning through play, with consideration to sustainability
8. types of digital tools and devices that can support children to learn through play
9. the benefits of physical play and exercise for all children, including necessary adaptations
10. how to apply trauma informed principles to support children to learn through play
11. the influence of neurodivergence and additional needs on supporting children to learn through play
12. the influence of culture and background on supporting children to learn through play
13. how to support positive risk-taking in play 
14. the transitions that children may go through while playing
15. the records and reports required for supporting children to learn through play
16. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for supporting children to learn through play 
17. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when supporting children to learn through play
18. how to work in partnership with others to support children to learn through play
19. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when supporting children to learn through play, and how to address this
20. the role of supervision, reflective practice and learning and development in supporting children to learn through play

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The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.

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1

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2031

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Care & Development

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HSCCLD238

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Social Care and Childrens Care

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Play, Health and Social Care & Children’s Care Learning and Development

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