Laughter echoed across the grounds of Maria Holder Nursery School, Oldbury, St Philip, on Friday, but educators insisted there was much more happening beneath the cheerful sounds of bean bag tosses, bowling games and children’s songs.

The school’s Open Day and Art Exhibition under the theme Family Fun and Play transformed classrooms and outdoor spaces into interactive learning hubs designed to demonstrate that play is one of the most powerful tools in early childhood education.

“Our open day, family fun and play day… was to showcase the children’s artwork and crafts throughout the year and also to invite parents and the wider community into our learning space and show them how we utilise play as a teaching tool,” explained Early Childhood Coordinator, Caisha Greaves.