In this episode, Claire talks to Alistair Bryce-Clegg, a former headteacher and now founder of 'ABC Does', a consultancy company that delivers training promoting the importance and power of play-based learning.
Alistair talks about the significance of play-based learning in Early Years settings and Year 1, as well as how it helps children develop cognitively, academically and socially. He starts by explaining his teaching journey and how his family of teachers inspired him to take the same career path.
He offers advice and guidance from his experience of working with Early Years practitioners in a range of settings including child-minders, day nurseries, schools, academies and home educators from around the world. Over the past eleven years he has developed his consultancy by offering training and conferences, in addition to support in the classroom setting. Alistair also speaks about how teachers should support children in the upcoming academic year after such a long period of time away from school due to the pandemic.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Early Years to Year 1 transitionAlistair talks about how empowered children are when they leave Reception as they can choose their own tasks, resources, make their own snacks etc. However, often when they go into Year 1, it suddenly becomes adult-focused teaching followed by tabletop activities. He talks about the importance of continuing this play-based and investigative learning for children’s development and the association it has with progress and attainment.
Play-based learningAlistair talks about the importance of play-based learning and the impact it has on children’s development. He talks in detail about how it supports pupils’ learning and cognitive development. Pupils can develop skills that cannot always be achieved through adult-focused teaching. He also speaks about how the assessment of this can be done by teachers, for example, if they should observe or if they should develop pupils’ understanding through questioning.
Child-led learning approachAlistair talks in detail about how he led his school as a deputy and headteacher to foster a child-led learning approach. He talks about his journey including the successes and mistakes and what he has learnt from them. He talks about how he worked as a team with his staff to ensure they are delivering the best approach and teaching to the children’s’ needs.
Pressures of Year 1As a consultant, Alistair considers the pressures Year 1 teachers face such as the phonics screening test and ensuring children’s attainment is high as they work towards the end of Key Stage 1 tests. He underlines the importance of adapting and fostering a play-based learning approach in Early Years and Year 1 to support children’s cognitive development and attainment.
Play-based learning catering for all abilitiesAlistair highlights the significance of ensuring play-based learning is set out correctly. He believes that, regardless of a child’s ability, if the play-based learning is rigorous enough, it can meet the needs of a disengaged learner and a more able learner.
Role play areaWhen creating and designing role play areas, it is vital to understand the purpose of the display. Alistair talks about understanding the aim behind putting up a display and how it will help the children’s development. Teachers should think about the experiences children will have, and the skills they want children to develop, from the display or area. The conventional displays and resources should be avoided such as a sand tray if it serves no purpose towards the children’s learning and development.
Taking your time to understand pupilsGiven the current situation, Alistair emphasises the importance of teachers taking their time getting to know their pupils and supporting their wellbeing. He is encouraging teachers to ensure children’s wellbeing is their first priority, especially during the current circumstances with the coronavirus. He believes if the primary focus is not on children’s we