Loose Parts are about real world learning for all children and young people. Loose Parts Play supports cognitive development and the materials can be a catalyst that facilitates curiosity, imagination and creativity. Studies have shown that children prefer to play with loose parts because it gives them more control over their own self-directed play and provides opportunities to use their own imagination.

The process of introducing loose parts and of playing with them involves collaboration, sharing thinking, problem-solving and decision-making and the impact of embedding them is a positive cycle of improved health and wellbeing.

The Loose Parts Play Toolkit below has been updated to provide: 

• a greater focus on skills that help adults to facilitate loose parts play sensitively and respectfully

• starting points to link loose parts play with education, curriculum, wellbeing, social and care contexts

• a range of ‘snapshots’ and case studies illustrating real-life application of loose parts play theory