The importance of play as an aid to learning cannot be underestimated, especially in younger children. Education reporter HAYDN LEWIS called in at a play centre on the outskirts of York to find out how they are making games work for youngsters.

GETTING youngsters to take exercise, but keep them mentally stimulated at the same time can be a bit of a challenge.

The benefits of play for developing mental as well as physical ability in youngsters up to the age of 12 and beyond are becoming more widely recognised.

Creepy Crawlies, in Wigginton Road, on the outskirts of York was set up by Sue Jones and Janice Dunphy, and now employs over 40 staff with a focus on play and education.

Recently, the pair have appointed Adele Nutt, the centre's new Learning Through Play co-ordinator as part of its commitment to offer greater educational benefits to children through play.

The appointment will give children up to 12 years old the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities - from baking and painting, to simple storytelling.

Mrs Dunphy said: "A lot of children are stuck behind the TV or their computer and because of issues of stranger danger, parents dare not let them play out in the streets so quite often old-fashioned street games, such as tag or What Time Is It Mr Wolf, are forgotten about and their benefits fall by the way.

"I really think the importance of play to children's development cannot be underestimated, not only does it help them form social relationships with other children, but it stimulates them mentally."

Mrs Dunphy has developed a game called Eduseek where children can go round the apparatus answering quiz questions aimed at a wide age range from five to 12.

"It's fun, it's physical and it means the kids have to search out the questions," said Mrs Dunphy, "My philosophy is a bit like Mary Poppins' A Spoonful Of Sugar really. If you sweeten anything up and make it fun, kids will grasp the concept far quicker.

"It is all about keeping their interest and making learning enjoyable."

Ms Nutt said: "I know, from experience, how children enjoy hands on' activities and the value they can bring to their overall development.

"I also know that many parents find it difficult to provide such activities at home.

"But, given the opportunity, they too will enjoy taking part - especially if they don't have to clean up afterwards.

"This is a great opportunity for me, and a role I am looking forward to developing even more in the future."

Creepy Crawlies is open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 7pm and 9pm on Fridays for parents to go and take their charges and watch them play while having a cup of coffee or join in with them.

There is a flat rate fee for each day of £3.75 for children under four and £4.75 for over four-year-olds.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.


We asked parents at the centre what they thought of education through play...

Lesley Lightfoot, 35, of Skelton, was at the centre with her two-year-old son, George. She said: "We don't come here all that often, because of the cost, but it is a nice treat for George and he finds the physical exercise very stimulating. He goes to nursery a couple of days a week, but this is somewhere I can go with him and we both enjoy it, especially going on the slide."Marisa Fensom, 32, of Haxby, was at the centre with her week-old son, Cameron, and twin daughters, Lucy and Emily, three. She said: "There's an awful lot the kids can get out of coming somewhere like this. My two girls have had chicken pox and been at home for the past four weeks, so coming here means they can let off steam in a nice and friendly environment."