Rydal Penrhos Prep teachers have recently embarked on a new training course to learn more about the power of play-led learning.

Learning through play has long been recognized as a powerful educational approach, nurturing children’s curiosity, imagination, and creativity while fostering holistic development. At Rydal Penrhos, it is at the heart of the approach taken by our teachers and staff, who understand the multitude of benefits it brings to young learners.

Our dedicated and talented teaching team recently began a new training course focused on this concept of learning through play. Last week, Nathania Minard, Play Development Officer at Ffit Conwy, spearheaded the first part of the four-part course, designed to enhance the existing knowledge and practices already in place at school.

At Rydal Penrhos, staff training is not just a mere formality but a top priority. The school recognizes the critical importance of ensuring its teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, enabling them to stay at the cutting edge of best teaching and safeguarding practices. Alongside five INSET days across the year, teachers and staff participate in various continuous development activities, including Mental Health First Aider training.

All this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded education, and play-led learning is a vital part of this, helping to create confident and engaged learners. Examples of this pedagogical approach are abundant and visible every day within the school’s vibrant community. From exciting Forest School activities that connect children with nature to enjoyable and interactive classroom experiences, play is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of learning at Rydal Penrhos.

This was recently illustrated in a Year 2 classroom activity, which saw pupils tasked with carrying out various investigations across several stations set up in the classroom. Pupils not only had to think deeply about the tasks in front of them but also got to use several different kinds of materials and tools. All in all, it was another fascinating and rewarding afternoon of learning for Mrs Culver’s class.

Rydal Penrhos Prep teachers look forward to continuing this training and further integrating play into their teaching methods. By embracing this approach, the school continues to nurture a lifelong love of learning in its pupils, preparing them to be resilient, innovative, and adaptable individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the future with confidence.