At Willow Farm we recognise that play matters. This is because it is at the heart of how children grow, learn, and thrive. It isn’t just a way to pass the time – it’s a vital process that children choose for themselves, led by their own curiosity and imagination. Through play, they explore the world around them, test out ideas, build relationships, and discover who they are. It helps children develop physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and even spiritually, giving them the tools they need to cope with life’s ups and downs. Whether they’re solving problems, negotiating with friends, expressing big feelings, or simply having fun, play gives children the freedom to learn in their own way and at their own pace. It nurtures confidence, creativity, resilience and a love of learning that can last a lifetime. Play isn’t a side activity – it actually makes up around 20% of children’s time at school, which adds up to over 1.4 years of their time with us at Willow Farm. That’s a huge part of their school experience, and it’s why we believe play isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Ensuring we have a well-planned play curriculum and environment helps us make the most of that time and ensures every child has the opportunity to flourish.