The Play Pad

This half term has whizzed along and will finish this Friday for the May half term. Amongst other activities children have enjoyed exploring with the play dough and scissors ✂️ , cutting fruit to compliment their snack, playing outdoors and realising that old guttering can be cleaned and repurposed for their own benefit!
We have also managed to make a 'Calming Corner' where a child can have 5 minutes peace... It is hoped that this space will help children to learn to self regulate their emotions which can be quite a task for them before and after school. Enjoy the photos ☺️

Our Calming Corner for children who need a few minutes to themselves before or after school.

I didn't get round to post photos before we broke up for Easter so I hope you enjoy the following selection...

I am just sharing the following thought provoking information...

Research shows that when children get angry or aggressive after a device is taken away, it’s not defiance, it’s withdrawal.

Because here’s the truth:
The same parts of the brain that light up during video games, YouTube, or social media use are the reward centers releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that keeps us seeking more. When that stimulation is suddenly removed, their brains react like something precious has been taken. It’s not just disappointment, it’s a crash.

🧠 Studies on digital dependency (Kardefelt-Winther, 2017; Healy, 2018) show that prolonged screen exposure overstimulates the brain’s reward pathways, similar to what happens during addictive behaviors. For young children whose self-regulation systems are still developing, this leads to emotional dysregulation like irritability, tears, or even aggression when the source of stimulation disappears.

They’re not being “spoiled.” They’re overwhelmed. Their brains have learned to rely on high-speed dopamine hits instead of calm engagement or imagination.

Why does this matter?
Because when we see the tantrum, we often respond with frustration. But if we see the withdrawal, we respond with compassion.

Here’s what helping them reset can look like:
→ Setting gentle but consistent screen boundaries before the meltdown.
→ Creating “calm transitions” like soft music, physical play, or outdoor time right after screen use.
→ Replacing instant reward with real connection like “Let’s bake something,” “Let’s draw,” “Let’s go outside.”

The goal isn’t to ban screens. It’s to teach balance in a world that overstimulates.

Because emotional regulation doesn’t grow in dopamine highs; it grows in quiet moments, shared presence, and gentle boundaries. 🤍

References:
• Kardefelt-Winther, D. (2017). How does the time children spend using digital technology impact their mental well-being, social relationships, and physical activity? UNICEF Office of Research.
• Healy, J. (2018). Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About It.

Busy and happy days at The Play Pad. Always remember how versatile a cardboard box can be! Enjoy the photos!

Busy times again here at The Play Pad. Children have LOVED the extra long skipping rope, playing 'elastic' or 'laggy' as I called it as a child!
As always, enjoy the photos 😁

Yesterday I attended the Fantastic Wraparound Childcare conference at Beaumanor Hall.
It was very inspiring.
Thank you to Leicestershire County Council Early Years staff who had put a lot of time into this... The bacon cob and coffee was much appreciated following my nightmare journey to get there (road closures for road works and floods!!!)

The keynote speaker, Rebekah Reece-Jackson, from the Out of School Alliance, spoke about the importance of sustainability within the sector amongst other things relevant for wraparound childcare owners/businesses.

Shelley Smith from Sunrise Wellbeing, based in Groby, delivered a very thought provoking workshop regarding staff's mental health, Caring for the Carers.

In time I'll be able to pass on some useful links.

Welcome to 2026! The children (and staff!) have returned after the Christmas holidays full of beans for the spring term!
Enjoy the selection of photos 😊

It's beginning to look like Christmas here at The Play Pad. Children have been enjoying Christmas crafts and party teas... Enjoy the photos 🎄🤶🏻

During the past couple of weeks children have enjoyed making a wreath and poppies for Remembrance Day.
Year 6s have treated the younger children to obstacle courses and we have started preparing displays for December. Amongst the chaos, it's lovely to see a couple of children looking through a book after a busy day at school, enjoying the football table and making creations with the Hama beads.
EYFS have become more confident in helping themselves to cereal, pouring their own milk and spreading their choices of food at snack time.
As a team, we are really proud of the children, especially when they remember their manners and use kind words, kind hands and kind feet! Thank you to all the parents who help support us with these ongoing reminders 😉☺️