Loose Parts Play at Whinhill 

‘Loose parts’ can be anything but are usually a mix of natural and man-made objects such as tyres, crates, tarpaulins, wooden planks, cable spools, plastic guttering/pipes and even things like cardboard boxes, branches and conkers! Loose Parts are available for our children to engage with in our playground at play and lunchtimes. They may also be used during class time to enhance curricular learning.

Why do we use Loose Parts?

Loose parts play is a type of open-ended play-based learning that encourages children to use their creativity and imagination.

Loose Parts play helps children:

• enhance communication skills – children can work collaboratively with their peers to share resources and play together freely.
• develop problem solving skills – since there are no rules for what an object can be used for, this allows children to create their own story and purpose.
• encourages creativity – each object has endless opportunities for a child to use their imagination.
• Develop their numeracy and literacy skills out with the classroom alongside other curricular areas such as properties and materials in technologies and forces and sound in science.

Our P7 Playmakers have created a Loose Parts Charter which our whole school have signed. Click here to read it!

Some feedback from our children using Loose Parts:

 

Did you know? Small accidents and injuries are not necessarily a sign of problems. When children play, it’s natural they will have some bumps and bruises. Without some risk and challenge in play, children cannot gain many of the experiences and skills they need in life.

Loose Parts Play Toolkit, 2019.