Imaginative Play

Encourage creativity, storytelling and communication skills with imaginative play resources for nurseries, parents and childminders. Explore everything from small world play and role play toys to multicultural dolls, dressing-up costumes and pretend play accessories designed to support EYFS learning through play.

Whether children are creating small world adventures, running a pretend café or caring for dolls, imaginative play helps develop social skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities while making learning fun.

Looking to learn more about imaginative play, or in need of some imaginative play activities? Read our blog which covers the benefits of imaginative play, or our blog on imaginative play ideas for your setting!

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Discover the Benefits of Imaginative Play

Imaginative play encourages children to explore the world around them through storytelling, role play and creative thinking. From small world play setups to pretend play kitchens and dolls, these activities help children develop communication, emotional understanding and social interaction skills.

For nurseries and childminders, imaginative play resources are an excellent way to support EYFS learning outcomes while keeping children engaged in meaningful, open-ended play. Parents can also use imaginative play at home to inspire creativity during the summer holidays with fun, screen-free activities.

Small World Play Ideas for EYFS Learning

Small world play remains one of the most popular imaginative play activities in early years settings. Children can create their own stories and scenarios using animals, figurines, vehicles and themed playsets, helping to build language, creativity and confidence.

Popular small world play themes include:

These imaginative play ideas are ideal for summer holiday learning and encourage children to explore independently through open-ended play.

Inclusive Imaginative Play for Every Child

Inclusive play resources help children learn about different cultures, families and communities through everyday play experiences. Our range of multicultural dolls and diverse imaginative play resources supports representation, empathy and inclusive learning environments.

These resources are especially valuable for nurseries and early years settings preparing activities ahead of Black History Month and wider diversity celebrations throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is imaginative play?

Imaginative play allows children to explore stories, situations and real-life experiences through creativity, storytelling and role play.

What are the benefits of small world play?

Small world play supports communication, creativity, storytelling and social development while helping children build confidence through open-ended play.

How does imaginative play support EYFS?

Imaginative play encourages language development, problem solving, confidence and emotional understanding through engaging hands-on activities.

Why are multicultural dolls important?

Multicultural dolls help children learn about diversity, representation and inclusive communities through everyday play experiences.

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