Unit 3.1: Understand the value of play in Early Years

This unit is part of the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator and has the following learning outcomes and assessment criteria:

1. Understand the role of play
   1. Explain the innate drive for children to play
   2. Analyse how play is necessary for the development of children
2. Understand children’s rights in relation to play
   1. Identify the rights of children in relation to play as detailed in the ‘UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’
   2. Explain how settings meet the right for children to play
3. Understand play at different stages of children’s development
   1. Explain the characteristics of: child-initiated play, adult-led play
   2. Identify how children’s play needs and preferences change in relation to their stage of development
4. Understand different types of play for all children
   1. Describe benefits of: physical play, creative play, imaginative play, sensory play
   2. Explain the principles of heuristic play
   3. Evaluate resources for: physical play, creative play, imaginative play, sensory play, heuristic play
5. Understand inclusive play practice
   1. Summarise inclusive play practice in relation to current frameworks
   2. Analyse how play supports the interests and abilities of children