Hospital role play can teach much about how our bodies work, finds Annette Rawstrone
Taking care of a baby in the role-play area
Taking care of a baby in the role-play area

When children started showing a strong interest in the work of medical professionals earlier this year, the staff at Marks Gate Nursery and Pre-school did not realise just how relevant the children’s investigations would become. The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) nursery in Chadwell Heath, north east London, stayed open throughout lockdown, with the children of key workers continuing their explorations and medical play and other children resuming it when they returned in June.

Role-playing doctors and nurses is often popular in the nursery, but staff noted that children were increasingly using the medical dressing-up outfits and showing an interest in what doctors and nurses do. They decided to extend the children’s interest by helping them to set up their own hospital, complete with a waiting room and appointment system. Children took turns to be the doctors, nurses and patients and enjoyed acting out the roles.

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