"Did You Just Play All Day?" The Serious Learning Behind the Fun at Green Coat Nursery
We know the feeling. You pick your little one up from nursery. They have a huge grin on their face, perhaps a little smudge of paint on their nose, and maybe even some mud on their knees.
You ask, "What did you do today?" And they happily reply, "I played!"
It is easy to wonder if "playing" is enough. In a world where we worry about school readiness and milestones, does building a tower or digging in the sand really count as learning?
At Greencoat Nursery in Sparkhill, we want to let you in on a secret: Play is the most serious work your child will ever do.
Here is what is actually happening while your child is "just playing."
🧪 The "Mud Kitchen" is Actually a Science Lab
When you see your child mixing water, dirt, and leaves in our outdoor area, it might look like a mess to clean up later. But look closer.
They are measuring volume (maths). They are observing how water changes the texture of dirt (science). They are negotiating with friends about who gets the big spoon (social skills).
At Green Coat, our environment is designed to turn these natural curiosities into learning moments. Whether it is sensory play for our babies or nature walks for our preschoolers, every activity is a mini-experiment.
👗 The "Dressing Up Box" is an Empathy Lesson
One day they are a doctor; the next, they are a superhero or a shopkeeper.
Role-play is a huge part of our day. It isn't just about funny costumes; it is about Communication and Language—one of the prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that we follow.
When children pretend, they are:
- Testing out new vocabulary.
- Learning to see the world from someone else's perspective.
- Building the confidence to speak up and express themselves.
🛝 "Messy Play" is Pre-Writing
Before a child can hold a pencil to write their name, they need strong hands and fingers.
That playdough they are squishing? That finger painting they are smearing? It is all building the fine motor skills and muscle strength they will eventually need to write comfortably when they head to primary school.
📓 It IS School Preparation (Just Not at a Desk)
Some parents worry that a "play-based" nursery won't get their child ready for "real school." Actually, the opposite is true.
Our Preschool Room (for 3-5 year olds) focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, but we do it in a way that makes knowledge stick.
- We don't just chant numbers; we count treasure in the sandpit.
- We don't just look at flashcards; we read stories that spark imagination and curiosity.
This approach ensures that when they do leave us for Reception, they leave as independent, confident problem-solvers.
⛽ Fuelling the Fun
Of course, all this "serious work" requires serious energy! We believe that nutrition is just as important as education. That’s why we provide freshly prepared, balanced meals every day—including halal and vegetarian options—to keep those little brains firing.
We even get the children involved in gardening and cooking sessions, so they learn that carrots don't just come from a supermarket packet!
🪄 Come and See the Magic Yourself
We are proud to be one of Sparkhill’s most trusted full-day nurseries, providing a safe, CCTV-monitored environment where children are safe to explore, grow, and yes—play!
Exciting Update: Since April 2024, our Sparkhill setting has expanded to welcome babies from 9 months old.
If you want to see how we turn "just playing" into brilliance, we’d love to show you around.
Book a visit today and come meet our team.
