In the vibrant, nurturing world of Little Mowgli Nursery, learning is anything but ordinary. Rooted in science and guided by compassion, Little Mowgli embraces play-based learning as the foundation of its Early Years Education. By transforming every corner of the nursery into a space for exploration, creativity, and discovery, this approach not only fosters Child Development but also creates a lifelong love of learning.

But what makes play so powerful in early education? Why is it so essential to the development of young minds, and how does Little Mowgli Nursery integrate this philosophy into its Nursery Curriculum, Nursery Rooms & Setup, and Nursery Activities? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind play-based learning and how it’s uniquely implemented at Little Mowgli.

The Neuroscience of Play

The brain develops rapidly during the early years. Between birth and age five, more than 90% of a child’s brain architecture is formed. According to child development experts, play stimulates neural connections, especially in areas of the brain responsible for problem-solving, emotional regulation, language, and social interaction.

Free play—the kind children engage in naturally without adult direction—triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that supports focus, memory retention, and motivation. This chemical boost contributes to the child’s sense of well-being and enhances their ability to learn. Structured activities, when carefully balanced with freedom and creativity, reinforce learning through practice and repetition.

At Little Mowgli Nursery, this science-backed principle is embedded in every classroom, outdoors activity, and daily routine.

Play-Based Learning & Early Years Education

Traditional Early Years Education often focuses on memorization, worksheets, and assessment. In contrast, Little Mowgli Nursery adopts a play-based approach that aligns with international best practices, such as the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework.

Rather than teaching through instruction alone, educators at Little Mowgli guide, observe, and scaffold the learning process through play. For instance:

• A child building a tower of blocks learns about physics, balance, and shapes.

• During role-play in a pretend kitchen, children practice language, social roles, and motor skills.

• Outdoor play allows for Nature-Based Learning, enhancing cognitive and emotional development.

The goal is holistic growth—cognitive, physical, social, and emotional—through activities that feel like fun but are deeply educational.

How Child Development Thrives Through Play

Developmental psychologists, including Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, emphasized play as critical to a child’s ability to construct knowledge and meaning. At Little Mowgli Nursery, play is not seen as a break from learning—it is learning.

Here’s how different aspects of Child Development are nurtured through play:

• Cognitive Development: Sorting, counting, puzzles, and matching games encourage memory, logic, and attention.

• Social Development: Group activities teach children to share, cooperate, and empathize.

• Emotional Development: Imaginative play allows children to express feelings, understand others, and manage frustration.

• Physical Development: Fine motor skills develop through activities like drawing or threading, while climbing and running build gross motor skills.

This development is carefully observed and supported by trained Nursery Management & Staff who track progress and adjust learning plans accordingly.

A Curriculum Built Around Play

The Nursery Curriculum at Little Mowgli Nursery is designed to be flexible, dynamic, and responsive to children’s interests. It draws from well-researched pedagogies including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Forest School methods—each of which recognizes the centrality of play.

Curriculum highlights include:

• Thematic Play Zones: Classrooms are organized into interactive areas like reading corners, sensory stations, and construction zones.

• Project-Based Learning: Children engage in longer-term creative projects—building, storytelling, nature art—that promote deep engagement and critical thinking.

• Child-Led Inquiry: Children’s curiosity leads the way. If a child shows interest in bugs, for example, teachers expand on it with books, outdoor bug hunts, and related crafts.

By aligning the curriculum with individual interests, Little Mowgli ensures that each child’s natural curiosity is cultivated and celebrated.

Nursery Rooms & Setup: Designed for Discovery

The physical environment at Little Mowgli Nursery is a carefully curated learning space. The Nursery Rooms & Setup are designed not just for safety and comfort, but also to stimulate exploration.

Features include:

• Open Shelving: Children have easy access to materials, encouraging independence.

• Natural Materials: Wood, fabric, and other organic elements create a calming, nature-inspired environment.

• Child-Sized Furniture: Everything is scaled to children’s size, giving them a sense of ownership and ease.

• Inviting Reading Areas: Cosy nooks lined with books spark a love for stories and language.

This thoughtful design extends outdoors, where Nature-Based Learning plays a central role.

Nature-Based Learning: The Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor play is more than recess at Little Mowgli Nursery—it’s a vital part of the learning process. The nursery’s nature-rich outdoor spaces support Nature-Based Learning, where children interact with the environment in meaningful ways.

Activities might include:

• Gardening: Learning about plant life cycles and responsibility.

• Bug Hunts: Discovering ecosystems and observing creatures.

• Mud Kitchens: Exploring texture, role-play, and sensory experiences.

Research shows that children who spend more time in nature demonstrate improved mood, attention span, and physical health. At Little Mowgli, nature is a teacher in its own right.

Structured Yet Flexible Nursery Activities

Every day at Little Mowgli is a new adventure, thanks to a rich schedule of Nursery Activities that blend structure with spontaneity. These include:

• Music & Movement: Encouraging expression and rhythm.

• Art & Sensory Play: Stimulating creativity through clay, paint, sand, and water.

• Language & Story Time: Building literacy through songs, rhymes, and tales.

• Math in Play: Counting games, shape sorting, and basic measurement.

Teachers use a combination of observation and documentation to monitor each child’s development across areas, ensuring that activities are matched to their developmental stage and interests.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing at the Heart

At Little Mowgli Nursery, Safeguarding & Wellbeing are non-negotiable. A child cannot learn unless they feel secure, valued, and supported. That’s why the nursery follows stringent safety protocols and emphasizes emotional literacy.

Wellbeing measures include:

• Emotion Check-ins: Children learn to name and understand their feelings.

• Key Worker System: Each child is assigned a consistent adult who builds a secure attachment.

• Inclusive Environment: Every child, regardless of background or ability, is celebrated.

All Nursery Management & Staff are trained in child protection and mental health awareness, making Little Mowgli a truly safe place to grow.

Empowering Parents Through Resources

Parent Resources play a vital role in the learning journey at Little Mowgli. The nursery believes in building a strong school-home partnership. To this end, parents have access to:

• Workshops and Webinars on child development and home learning strategies.

• Digital Learning Journals that showcase children’s work and progress.

• Weekly Newsletters featuring learning themes and parenting tips.

By empowering parents with knowledge and tools, Little Mowgli creates a seamless bridge between home and nursery.

Exceptional Nursery Management & Staff

Behind every playful moment and developmental milestone is a team of dedicated Nursery Management & Staff. These educators aren’t just caretakers—they’re facilitators of learning, trained in early childhood pedagogy, first aid, and safeguarding.

What sets the staff apart?

• Ongoing Professional Development to stay up to date with educational trends.

• Collaborative Planning to ensure activities are inclusive and engaging.

• Passion for Play that inspires and nurtures young minds.

Their expertise ensures that play at Little Mowgli is never random—it’s intentional, structured, and meaningful.

Final Thoughts: Play Is Serious Learning

In the words of renowned educator Mr. Fred Rogers, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.”

At Little Mowgli Nursery, this philosophy comes to life in every block tower, every muddy footprint, and every joyful giggle. By embracing the science of play-based learning, Little Mowgli is laying a strong, holistic foundation for lifelong success.

Whether you’re a parent exploring early education options, or an educator looking to understand more about progressive early years practice, Little Mowgli offers an inspiring model of what’s possible when we let children learn the way nature intended—through play.