About This Course
Children often repeat particular actions in their play — carrying objects from place to place, lining things up, wrapping and covering, building enclosures or watching objects move. These repeated patterns may be known as schemas. This course helps Early Years practitioners understand what schemas are, recognise possible patterns in children’s play and use careful observation to respond to children’s interests without labelling or making assumptions.
What You Will Learn
Explore eight commonly recognised schemas: transporting, trajectory, rotation, enclosing, enveloping, positioning, connecting and orientation. Learn how these interests may appear in different ways, how to distinguish observation from interpretation, and why practitioners should look for patterns over time rather than drawing conclusions from a single behaviour.
From Observation to Practice
Discover how schema awareness can strengthen everyday observation and planning.
You’ll explore how to observe, notice a pattern, offer a possibility and observe again, using children’s interests to influence resources and opportunities while allowing the child to decide where their play goes next.
Supporting Schema Play
Learn how open-ended resources, flexible environments, outdoor play, repetition and appropriate challenge can support children’s exploration. Practical scenarios will also help you consider how to respond when repeated play becomes disruptive or unsafe while still recognising the possible interest behind it.
Interactive, Practical CPD
This CPD Group accredited 2-hour online course combines short videos, practical examples, case studies, interactive activities and reflective tasks. Learners also receive downloadable resources including observation and planning tools, a schema resource guide, parent/carer guidance and an environment checklist. Complete the final assessment to receive your certificate and 2 CPD points.
