Students, educators, and employers in the education industry gathered at Weston College for a captivating lecture delivered by acclaimed author Greg Bottrill. As a former early years lead and assistant headteacher with extensive experience in the early years sector, Greg Bottrill enlightened attendees on the profound impact of play-based learning on a child’s cognitive and emotional development.

Greg Bottrill, known for his expertise in the Play Projects approach, shared insights into the transformative power of incorporating choice, creativity, collaboration, mark-making, mathematics, joy, invention, and endless possibilities into early years practices. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Greg provided practical strategies for creating dynamic learning environments that stimulate curiosity and independence, emphasizing the pivotal role of play in childhood development.

The evening, attended by Education & Early Years students, alumni, and professionals from various education settings, featured an uplifting and insightful workshop exploring the application of play projects in practice. Attendees were immersed in Greg’s passion for real play, the magic of childhood, and the importance of placing children at the heart of their learning adventure.

Rachel Landen from Keepers Gate Forest School conveyed her enthusiasm, stating, “I took so much away from this event; I was still talking about it when I woke up the next day. All our staff were engaged and excited about how we could implement some of the ideas.”

The Weston College Early Years and Education Careers Excellence Hubs express their gratitude to Greg Bottrill for delivering such a fantastic and enriching lecture. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscores the success of the event in inspiring and motivating educators and professionals in the education industry.

Engaging with industry experts and employers forms part of Weston College’s Early Years and Education Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our students' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares students to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

For those interested in exploring education and early years courses at Weston College, please visit Education and Early Years | Weston College.