Learning Through Play: The Foundation for Future Success
Posted: 17th November 2025
At Kew College Prep nursery in Kew, near Chiswick, we often talk about the power of play, but what does that really mean? For us, play is not just an activity for children to pass the time; it’s the most powerful form of learning there is.
When children play, they are experimenting, problem-solving, imagining, and creating connections that underpin all later learning. From building a tower to sharing a story, every playful moment is a chance to develop essential skills in language, communication, numeracy, and social interaction. These experiences are the stepping stones that ultimately support strong academic outcomes, all the way to 11+ and beyond.
Research continues to show that a child’s early experiences have a lasting impact on their ability to think critically, focus, and persevere. That’s why high-quality early years education, delivered by expert teachers, matters so deeply. At our South West London nursery, our highly qualified early years specialists plan play with purpose. Behind every activity sits a careful understanding of how children learn best. Teachers observe, guide, and extend play so that curiosity turns into discovery and discovery into understanding.
Our team knows that the way a child learns to ask questions at age four shapes how they approach challenges years later. The confidence to have a go, the persistence to solve a tricky puzzle, or the joy of sharing an idea with a friend, these are the habits that form the basis of lifelong learning and future academic success.
This approach continues throughout the school. As part of our prep school, Kew College Prep nursery children move naturally from a play-based foundation to more formal learning with ease and enthusiasm. The critical thinking and resilience built in the early years translate directly into success at higher levels, whether mastering reading in Reception or tackling 11+ reasoning papers several years later. The strong start they receive gives them the self-belief and independence to achieve.
Our play-based curriculum is designed to be both joyful and purposeful. Every day offers a balance of structured learning and child-led exploration, ensuring that children develop academically, socially, and emotionally. A maths concept might begin in a sandpit, a new word might be discovered in a library story time, and teamwork might blossom during outdoor learning at Priory Park in Kew. Learning here happens everywhere, and our teachers know how to turn every moment into an opportunity for growth.
Parents often tell us that what stands out most at Kew College Prep nursery is how confident, articulate, and enthusiastic the children are by the time they reach Reception. They are already developing the focus, curiosity, and self-motivation that will serve them well at every stage of their education.
At Kew College Prep nursery, we see play not as a break from learning but as the very essence of it. Through expert teaching, thoughtful planning, and a nurturing environment, we ensure that every child builds the strong foundations they need for success, in the classroom, in their 11+ journey, and far beyond.
If you’re looking for a nursery in South West London and you’d like to see how our children learn through play, we warmly invite you to book a tour and experience the magic of early learning in action.
