Loose Parts Play: Creating rich play through open-ended materials

🌿 The Power of Loose Parts

Creating rich play through open-ended materials

What can a cardboard box become? A stick? A piece of fabric? A handful of stones?

When children are given the freedom to move, combine, transform and reimagine everyday materials, the possibilities for play are almost endless.

Loose parts play creates rich opportunities for children to explore, experiment, problem-solve, collaborate and follow their own ideas. And the good news is that creating these opportunities doesn’t require expensive resources or elaborate play spaces. Often, the most powerful play materials are already all around us.

This practical and engaging online course explores the theory behind loose parts play and, importantly, how to put it into practice.

Drawing on the work of Simon Nicholson and the Theory of Affordances, we’ll explore why open-ended materials offer such rich possibilities for children’s play, creativity and discovery. We’ll then turn theory into practice, considering how everyday, natural and recycled materials can transform play environments both indoors and outdoors.

Through discussion, practical examples and activities, you’ll explore how to introduce and develop loose parts in your own setting, create playful provocations, consider the adult’s role in protecting child-led play, and take a balanced approach to managing risk.

You’ll leave with practical ideas, greater confidence and plenty of inspiration to create environments where children have the time, space, materials and freedom to make play their own.

🎯 By the end of this course you will be able to:

✅ Explain the theory behind loose parts play and why open-ended materials are valuable for children’s play and development

✅ Recognise how affordances create possibilities for exploration, creativity and discovery

✅ Identify a wide range of natural, recycled and everyday materials that can enrich play without costing a fortune

✅ Consider how loose parts can support different types of play and children's individual interests

✅ Create simple, open-ended provocations that spark curiosity without directing children's play

✅ Understand the adult's role in supporting, observing and protecting child-led loose parts play

✅ Take a confident benefit-risk approach to introducing and managing loose parts

✅ Identify practical next steps for developing loose parts play in your own setting

🧰 Practical, playful and ready to use

You’ll also be introduced to Play Scotland’s Loose Parts Play Toolkit, with practical guidance on sourcing, storing, maintaining and introducing loose parts, involving children and families, and embedding loose parts play sustainably within your setting.

👥 Who is this course for?

🍃 Early learning and childcare practitioners

🏡 Childminders

🎈 Out of school care and playwork staff

🏫 Primary school staff

🤝 Additional support for learning practitioners

🌍 Community learning and development practitioners

💚 Third sector organisations

🌟 Anyone with an interest in supporting children's right to play

💻 Course format

💻 Live online training

💬 Interactive discussions and practical activities

🤔 Opportunities to reflect on your own practice

📥 Digital resources to support implementation in your setting

🌟 Why join this course?

Whether you’re new to loose parts or already using them in your setting, this course will help you:

🌱 Find fresh inspiration – discover simple, low-cost ways to create richer play opportunities.

🧠 Understand the ‘why’ – build confidence in explaining the value of loose parts play to colleagues and families.

🎨 Take ideas straight into practice – explore practical approaches, provocations and materials you can use in your own setting.

⚖️ Feel confident enabling play – consider the adult’s role and how to balance exciting, challenging play with appropriate risk management.

🌱 You don’t need expensive equipment to create richer play – sometimes you just need to see the possibilities in what’s already there.

We are pleased to off STUDENT DISCOUNT of 20% on all training courses. To access your discount code, please email prior to booking:

alexwallis@playscotland.org