• Curriculum

    Adventurous, Destructive and Risky Play in Early Years (EY730)

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    Course overview

    Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years settings, childminders and schools in South Gloucestershire. 

    This 3 hour course invites practitioners to take a confident and reflective look at forms of play that can sometimes challenge. Rather than viewing these behaviours as problematic, the course recognises them as natural and valuable ways in which children test boundaries, build resilience, and develop an understanding of the world around them.

    Focusing on the importance of appropriate risk-taking, the course explores how children benefit from opportunities to challenge themselves within a safe and supportive outdoor environment. Participants will consider the concept of dynamic risk benefit and how it contributes positively to children’s learning and development, consider play styles, play types and why children may play in this way.

    Through observation, discussion, and practical reflection, the course supports practitioners to explore their own thoughts and responses, whilst nurture children’s critical thinking skills. In doing so, children are empowered to keep themselves safe while confidently engaging in meaningful and challenging play, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning.

     

    Learning outcomes

    As a result of this course you will have knowledge and skills in the following areas:

    • Understand the value of risky, superhero, weapon, and destructive play in supporting children’s development.
    • Recognise how children use play to test boundaries, build resilience, and make sense of their world.
    • Identify the benefits of dynamic risk-taking within a safe and supportive outdoor environment.
    • Explore a range of play types and styles, and understand why children engage in these forms of play.
    • Reflect on personal attitudes and responses to challenging play behaviours in a professional context.
    • Consider Play Policies and Pedagogy as part of your Curriculum.
    • Support children in developing critical thinking, risk management skills, and strategies to keep themselves safe.

     

    Charges

    There is a charge of £30 per delegate for this course. 

    If this course has a cost for your setting and a booking is made before 1st September 2026, we will contact you in early September to request payment.  From 1st September 2026 you will be asked to pay via GovPay upon sign up, using a credit or debit card.

    Please ensure that you book onto the course date to complete your booking by clicking on ‘View and choose course dates’.  If you can no longer attend please cancel your place giving at least 7 days’ notice in order to be able to claim a refund.

    Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

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    Course activities to complete

    • If you are eligible for this course, please go to the top of this page and click sign up, you’ll then be able to book a place and access the activities below.


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      Book and attend at least 1 event(s)
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