The Start to play programme supports the key outcomes and goals in the framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage standards and guidance. The programme is delivered through an innovative equipment package and a range of resources. The resources include a series of inspirational story books, in which Denise Lewis has been immortalised as the cartoon character ‘DeeDee’ and show the Fizz and Friends characters playing, having fun and learning a number of key physical activities.
Encouraging young children to learn through play
Babies and young children learn, grow and have fun through play. Play develops children’s physical, emotional, social, mental and creative abilities, helping them practise hand-eye co-ordination and develop the physical agility to run, jump, walk and balance. The Youth Sport Trust’s Start to play equipment packages contain innovative, colourful, tactile equipment with ideas to help children improve their movement, balance and co-ordination, the foundations for healthy physical development.
Our packages have been developed in collaboration, drawing on the expertise of the Youth Sport Trust’s Early Years Development Team. Each kit contains a story book and an audio CD narrated by Denise Lewis. The kits are available in two age groups, either 0 – 2 or 2 – 5 years, and are also suitable for older primary aged children.