Do you want to understand how children learn, develop, and build essential life skills through play? Many early years practitioners, teachers, and childcare professionals often underestimate the powerful role that play has in shaping cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development during early childhood.

In the UK education system, especially within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play-based learning is recognised as a fundamental approach to supporting child development. Through structured and unstructured play, children develop problem-solving abilities, communication skills, creativity, emotional resilience, and early academic foundations that support lifelong learning.

The Impact of Play on Early Childhood Learning Course is designed to help learners understand how play influences child development and how to effectively use play-based learning strategies in early years education settings. You will explore cognitive development through play, social and emotional growth, guided play techniques, and the role of educators in supporting meaningful learning experiences.

Delivered fully online and self-paced, this CPD-accredited course allows you to study flexibly while gaining valuable knowledge in early childhood education and a recognised qualification to support your career in childcare, teaching, and early years development.

Strengthen your understanding of child development, enhance your teaching practice, and learn how to create engaging, play-based learning environments that support every child’s growth.

Course Overview

This CPD-accredited online training course provides a comprehensive introduction to play-based learning, early childhood development, and the educational importance of play in the EYFS framework.

What This Course Covers:

• Introduction to play-based learning in early childhood education
• Understanding the importance of play in child development
• Cognitive development through play
• Social and emotional development in early years
• Physical development and motor skills through play
• Types of play: structured, unstructured, guided, and free play
• Role of educators in facilitating play-based learning
• EYFS framework and play-based teaching approaches
• Learning through play strategies in early years settings
• Communication and language development through play
• Creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills development
• Observing and assessing children during play activities

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the impact of play on early childhood learning and development
• Identify different types of play and their educational benefits
• Apply play-based learning strategies in early years settings
• Support cognitive, emotional, and social development through play
• Understand the EYFS framework and its connection to play-based learning
• Use guided play techniques to enhance learning outcomes
• Observe and assess children’s development during play activities
• Create engaging and developmentally appropriate play environments
• Improve communication and interaction with young learners
• Support holistic child development through structured educational play

By completing this Impact of Play on Early Childhood Learning Course, you will develop essential early years and childcare skills, including:

• Early childhood development understanding
• Play-based learning implementation
• EYFS curriculum knowledge
• Child observation and assessment skills
• Communication and interaction with children
• Cognitive and emotional development support
• Classroom and activity planning for early years
• Behavioural understanding in children
• Creativity in teaching and learning design
• Child-centred learning strategies
• Problem-solving in early years education
• Educational planning and delivery skills

These skills are highly valuable for careers in childcare, nursery education, teaching assistance, and early years support roles across the UK.

• Early years practitioners and nursery staff
• Teaching assistants and classroom support workers
• Aspiring nursery and preschool educators
• Students studying childcare or education
• EYFS professionals and assistants
• Parents interested in child development
• Career changers entering early years education
• Childcare and education support workers
• Teachers looking to strengthen play-based learning skills
• Anyone interested in early childhood development

• Gain a CPD-accredited qualification recognised in the UK
• Understand how play influences child development
• Learn practical early years teaching strategies
• Study flexibly online at your own pace
• Strengthen your EYFS knowledge and application
• Improve your childcare and educational practice
• Develop skills in child observation and assessment
• Enhance your professional development in early years education

The assessment is straightforward; you need to complete the assignment questions that will be provided to you at the end of this  course, you can complete the assignment anytime you want. After you complete and submit your assignment, our tutors will assess your assignment and give you feedback if needed. 

After your assignment has been assessed and you have passed, you will be qualified and will be able to apply for a course completion certificate.

Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, you will be eligible to receive a CPD QS Accredited Certificate from The Teachers Training, which demonstrates your professional knowledge and career readiness. You can select your preferred certificate option at discounted rates, with the Digital CPD Certificate (PDF) available for only £6.99, the Printed Hardcopy Certificate for only £9.99, or both the Digital and Printed Certificates together for just £11.99. This certification will significantly strengthen your CV and enhance your credibility within the education sector. Please note that discounted certificate pricing is available for a limited time only, so be sure to secure your certificate before the offer ends.