Power of Play (PoP): Role and value of play in supporting early learning and development
This project examines the role of play and play-based learning in early childhood development.

The project runs from January 2025 to July 2025.
Background
Play and play-based learning are important for early childhood development. Play not only offers children the opportunity to engage in activities that they enjoy but it also helps children acquire the skills and knowledge that are essential for their overall development.
This study will strengthen the evidence base on the value and impact of play on children’s early learning and development. It will have a specific focus on social and emotional development. The study will also examine the evidence on play and play interactions in diverse, non-formal contexts such as the home and social spaces outside early childhood care and education settings and schools.
The study is guided by the following research questions:
- What is the impact of play on supporting early learning and development (including social and emotional development) for three- to eight-year-olds?
- What kinds of play and play interactions in children’s everyday, naturally occurring environments show positive outcomes on early learning and support meaningful multi-/inter-generational interactions?
- What is the role and impact of children’s engagement with play and play materials involving small assembleable and loose-part toys in supporting early learning and development, including social and emotional development?
Aims
The project has the following aims:
- To examine the evidence base on children’s engagement with play and play materials. We will focus particularly on the role of small assembleable and loose-part toys.
- To understand the nature of play interactions and playful learning in children’s everyday lives particularly in non-formal contexts such as the home and social spaces outside early childhood care and educational settings.
- To understand the nature and impact of inter- and multi-generational play interactions on children’s early learning experiences.
- To develop a repository of evidence-based effective practices to support children’s play and learning.
Methodology
The study has three components.
Systematic review
A systematic review of existing research literature on play interactions and play-based learning for three- to eight-year-olds in informal settings.
Advisory group
The review is guided by an advisory group of five experts in early childhood education and play-based learning.
These experts are leading scholars, practitioners and policymakers. They will contribute expertise throughout the review process, providing feedback on:
- the review design and approach
- data analysis, and
- research findings.
Focus group discussions
The review will be informed by focus group discussions with parents and practitioners. These discussions aim to elicit their views on supporting children’s play.
Team
Principal investigator
Co-investigator
Project team members
- Ko Sum Yue (Jessica)
- Kate Fox
Related links
Got questions? Get in touch
Please contact us if you have any questions about our research.
