Across the UK, early childhood education is experiencing a wave of new trends that aim to make learning more engaging, inclusive, and beneficial for every child. At Edx Education, we’re passionate about supporting these trends with our educational toys, downloadable resources, and the “Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education” podcast. By harnessing the power of play, we help caregivers and parents foster children’s love for learning, building resilience and creativity along the way.
Let’s dive into some of the key trends shaping early childhood education in the UK and explore how play-based learning can support them.
- Technology: A New Frontier in Learning
Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into education, opening up a world of interactive learning opportunities. From educational apps to digital storytelling platforms, tech-based resources are allowing children to explore concepts like maths, literacy, and problem-solving in fun and engaging ways. However, balancing screen time with hands-on, tactile play is essential to ensure children’s development isn’t solely dependent on digital experiences.
At Edx Education, we advocate for combining technology with traditional play-based learning however more traditional play than technology in the early years. Education toys like our Maths Cubes and Linking Cubes Reflection Set encourage children to explore mathematical concepts through physical manipulation. These tools allow children to take what they’ve learned digitally and apply it in a tangible, interactive way, reinforcing their understanding while promoting creativity and problem-solving.
- Social-Emotional Learning: Building Lifelong Skills
Developing social and emotional skills is a key focus in early childhood education, and it’s a trend that continues to gain traction across the UK. Children who can understand and manage their emotions, build strong relationships, and make responsible decisions are better equipped to succeed in both school and life.
Play-based learning is an effective tool for developing these social-emotional skills. Through group play, role-playing activities, and open-ended games, children learn to communicate, collaborate, and navigate different emotions. Edx Education toys like Rainbow Pebbles® and Dancing Ribbons are perfect for fostering teamwork and self-expression, helping children develop confidence and empathy through play.
Our podcast, Play, Learn & Create, also dives deep into the topic of social-emotional learning, offering valuable insights for caregivers and educators on how to nurture these essential skills at home and in the classroom.
- Child-Cantered Learning: Empowering Independence
Child-centred learning, where the focus is on individual children's interests and learning styles, is becoming a central trend in the UK. This approach emphasizes giving children the freedom to explore and discover at their own pace, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning.
Edx Education’s STEM kits and Number Rods to Go are excellent tools for supporting child-centred learning. These open-ended resources allow children to engage with maths, engineering, and problem-solving activities in ways that suit their interests. Whether your child enjoys building, counting, or experimenting, these toys encourage them to take charge of their own learning, developing critical thinking and independence along the way.
- Nature-Based Learning: Bringing the Outdoors In
Nature-based learning has seen a resurgence in early childhood education, particularly as educators seek to reconnect children with the natural world. Outdoor activities not only help children develop gross motor skills but also promote curiosity and a sense of wonder about the environment.
Edx Education’s Sand and Water Play products are designed to bring elements of nature into your home or classroom. These tactile experiences offer children the chance to explore concepts of volume, measurement, and sensory play in a way that mimics outdoor environments. Whether indoors or outside, our toys foster a love for nature and hands-on exploration.
- STEM/STEAM Education: Building a Foundation for the Future
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and STEAM (which adds Art to the mix) education is gaining momentum in early childhood education, equipping children with the skills they’ll need in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Edx Education’s MyGears® and Pentominoes are excellent resources for introducing young learners to STEM concepts. Through hands-on play, children can explore engineering, geometry, and spatial reasoning, helping them build a strong foundation in these critical areas. With the right tools and activities, play becomes the perfect gateway to a lifelong love of learning in the STEM/STEAM fields.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Embracing Diversity
Culturally responsive teaching methods recognise the diverse backgrounds of children and incorporate their cultural experiences into the learning process. This trend is particularly important in creating inclusive, supportive environments where every child feels seen and valued.
At Edx Education, we embrace the importance of diversity through our inclusive toys and resources, which cater to different learning styles and abilities. Our Play, Learn & Create podcast frequently discusses strategies for culturally responsive teaching, offering advice to caregivers and educators on how to ensure children from all backgrounds thrive.
- Family Involvement: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Increasing family involvement in education is another growing trend. When families take an active role in their children’s learning, children are more likely to succeed academically and socially.
Edx Education encourages family engagement through play. Our Maths 101 Range offers activities that parents can do with their children at home, promoting learning through fun, shared experiences. Downloadable resources and activities on our website also make it easy for families to stay involved in their children’s education, even outside the classroom.
By embracing these trends in early childhood education, parents and caregivers can provide their children with a rich, balanced learning experience that sets the stage for future success. At Edx Education, we’re proud to support this journey with our toys, resources, and the Play, Learn & Create podcast—because when children learn through play, they thrive.