The Power of Play: Insights from Alistair Bryce-Clegg on Early Years Development
At Back to the Garden Childcare, we are passionate about nurturing children’s development through meaningful experiences, rich environments, and child-led learning.
We were thrilled to welcome Alistair Bryce-Clegg to our podcast, where he shared his invaluable insights into early years education. A pioneer in the field, Alistair has transformed the way we think about play, exploration, and child-led learning, an ethos that aligns closely with our approach at Back to the Garden.
Alistair Bryce-Clegg: A Pioneer in Early Years
Alistair Bryce-Clegg is a well-respected figure in the world of early childhood education.
With years of experience as an educator, consultant, and author, he has reshaped how practitioners approach early years learning, advocating for environments that truly support children’s natural curiosity.
His work centres on the belief that high-quality early years provision should be engaging, play-based, and deeply rooted in how young children learn best.
In our conversation with Alistair Bryce-Clegg on our podcast, we explored his personal journey into Early Years education, reflecting on his own childhood, parenting philosophy, and career evolution. He shared insights from his ten years at the grassroots of childcare, highlighting the need for change in traditional practices and the motivations behind launching ABC Does.
We discussed the power of play in child development, the importance of indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the benefits of intergenerational care.
Alistair also spoke about his latest venture, My First Five Years, and shared thoughts on gendered play, abstract learning, and how we can continue to improve the Early Years sector. His passion for inspiring practitioners and creating meaningful change was evident throughout the discussion.
One of the core themes Alistair champions is the vital role of play in children’s development. He emphasises that play isn’t just an activity; it’s how children make sense of the world. Through play, they develop problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of self.
This mirrors our own philosophy at Back to the Garden, where we create open-ended, nature-inspired play spaces that encourage children to take the lead in their learning.
Empowering Practitioners to Support Children’s Growth
Alistair also highlights the importance of empowering early years educators. His work inspires practitioners to step back and observe, allowing children the time and space to discover and explore at their own pace.
He encourages a balance between structured opportunities and child-led play, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and engaging.
At Back to the Garden, we celebrate this approach by fostering an environment where our dedicated team supports children’s curiosity, independence, and confidence. We provide thoughtfully designed spaces that allow for movement, creativity, and interaction with nature—all key elements that enhance children’s early learning experiences.
Bringing Alistair’s Ideas into Our Nurseries
Alistair’s insights reinforce the principles we live by at Back to the Garden. From outdoor exploration to sensory-rich activities, we embrace his belief that early childhood education should be full of awe and wonder. By linking theory with practice, we continue to refine our approach, ensuring that children in our care receive the very best start in life.
Listen to Our Podcast with Alistair Bryce-Clegg
If you’re passionate about early years education and want to hear more about Alistair’s inspiring perspectives, listen to our full conversation on our YouTube channel, or find us on any of the podcast platforms.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation by sharing your reflections in the comments or connecting with us on our website. Let’s continue to celebrate and champion child-led learning together!
About Alistair Bryce-Clegg
Alistair Bryce-Clegg has spent the last 31 years working in the early years sector as a practitioner, headteacher and consultant. He is now recognised as an expert in the field, both nationally and internationally. He has worked with Bloomsbury to publish 23 books and also writes for various magazines and publications. His inspiring TEDx Talk has been watched by thousands of people!
He featured in the BAFTA award-winning Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds on Channel 4. A documentary where older and younger generations are brought together in an experiment to tackle social isolation.
At ABC Does, you can find out about the conferences Alistair offers, as well as brilliant ideas and practical approaches to use in early years education through his books, blog, and resources. He runs one conference and two half-day courses across the country.
He created a child development app called My First Five Years, which he founded with Jennie Johnson MBE.
Additionally, his PLAYlist initiative provides a unique resource for educators, offering a curated selection of activities that encourage playful, child-led learning experiences.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or thoughts about today’s topic, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us through our social channels.
Whether you’re a parent, a fellow childcare professional, or simply someone who shares our passion for nurturing children’s growth, we’re always excited to connect with like-minded individuals.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all things Back to the Garden, from activities and events to insights into early years education. We look forward to continuing the conversation with you!
Links:
Instagram: @abcdoes
TEDx Talk: Subversive Teaching – Educators Under the Influence
Podcast sponsor: Villafont
Recorded at LBS
Videographer: Little Mark
Footage of Back to the Garden Childcare: Viewpoint APV
Stills of Back to the Garden Childcare: Jay Cain
