The Progression of Play: Understanding Continuous Provision from EYFS to KS1

A research-informed guide exploring how children’s play, thinking, creativity and problem-solving develop from Nursery through to Year 2. Covering 7 areas of provision: sand, water, creative, investigation, malleable, construction and small world. This resource explores how children’s play becomes increasingly exploratory, investigative, intentional and innovative over time. Each section includes: developmental progression from Nursery → Reception → Year 1 → Year 2, typical child behaviours, play focuses and the evolving adult role within provision. Additionally, there is a one-page overview summarising the EYFS and KS1 learning objectives and key resources for each area and example progressive observation statements. Drawing on research, this guide supports teachers in understanding how provision develops beyond simply adding more challenging resources.