“Play is the highest form of research.”
— Albert Einstein
A message from our Subject Leader:
“As a huge advocate for the Great Outdoors, I believe that high-quality play is the secret ingredient to a successful education. My goal is to ensure play isn’t a ‘side-activity’ at Willow Farm, but an intrinsic part of every child’s growth. By strengthening their play skills outside, we are directly enhancing their ability to learn, focus, and thrive inside the classroom.“
— Mr Drew, Outdoor Education & Play Lead
Why Play is at the Heart of Willow Farm
At Willow Farm, we recognise that play matters. It is at the heart of how our children grow, learn, and thrive. Play isn’t just a way to pass the time; it is a vital, child-led process fuelled by curiosity and imagination.
Through play, our pupils explore the world, test out ideas, build relationships, and discover who they are. It helps them develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually, giving them the tools they need to cope with life’s ups and downs.
The Power of 20%
Did you know that play accounts for roughly 20% of a child’s time at school? Over their journey at Willow Farm, that adds up to over 1.4 years of their time with us. We are committed to making every second of that time count.
The Impact of Play
Our well-planned play curriculum and environment ensure every child has the freedom to:
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Solve & Negotiate: Whether they are building a den or resolving a game, they learn to communicate and problem-solve.
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Express & Build: Play provides a safe space to express ‘big feelings’ and build lasting emotional resilience.
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Nurture & Flourish: We foster a love of learning and a sense of confidence that lasts a lifetime.
At Willow Farm, play isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We ensure that through our OPAL environment, every child has the opportunity to truly flourish.
