Educationalists put case for informal classes

Young children suit more informal learning at the start of primary school Education, according to Bradford educationalists.

The Cambridge Primary Review, an independent inquiry into the condition and future of primary education in England, suggests that children should be allowed to develop their skills for longer through play.
Formal schooling should start a year later, aged six instead of five, it states.

Educationalists said a more play-led form of education for five-year-olds would benefit children, and in some cases this was already happening.

Janet Jewitt, of The Play Network, which is based in the Holybrook Centre, Greengates, which promotes play in the district, said: “It would be interesting as to how reception classes can cater for later formal schooling because teachers need to be play-trained and funding needs to come from the Government to support initiatives around play.

“From birth to the age six or seven play is really important. Children learn better through playing and it benefits their co-ordination, such as how to pick up a pencil.

“The longer children can play and have access to play the better. It can work with primary schools and I really embrace this if the Government runs with it full-heartedly.”