October 2024

Beyond Blocks and Toys: Why Loose Parts Matter in the Early Years

Welcome to a world where bottle caps become treasures, pebbles turn into pretend playmates, and creativity knows no bounds! In this blog post, we sit down with Jessica Angell, Nursery Manager at Kindred Odstock— one of our Ofsted outstanding-rated nursery in Salisbury—to explore one of her favourite approaches to early years learning: loose parts play. In this piece, Jess shares how everyday items like shells, buttons, and wooden blocks can ignite imagination and exploration in children, fostering curiosity and resilience. Read on to discover why loose parts hold such significance for Jess and how they enrich the learning experiences of children at Kindred Odstock and beyond.