ABSTRACT
This chapter is written in response to 4-year-old Ronan’s request, ‘Just let me play’. He was attending a nursery where learning letters and numbers was given priority. His reaction, however, will confirm many parents’ and practitioners’ fears that in some settings, Primary 1 or Key Stage 1 goals have become part of the nursery ethos. New advice in England that there has to be more time for play comes as a relief to all those strongly in favour of a child-centred curriculum where the children learn through play. This is especially important for children who need additional learning support.
