14/11/2025
🎭 "Play isn't just fun—it's brain-building in action"
Our Debutots Practitioner, Harriet Clark, explores why play is essential for children's development in her latest article.
As a qualified Integrative Child Psychotherapist and Drama Therapist with experience in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings, Harriet shares the science behind why play matters:
✨ When children play, they're developing the higher part of their brain—the cortex that allows them to think, reason, and problem-solve
✨ Play builds neural pathways, strengthens emotional intelligence, and teaches children how to relate to others in a safe space
✨ Through imaginative play, children develop self-determination, creativity, and the confidence to explore their world.
In our screen-dominated, test-focused culture, protecting time for play has never been more important. That's why at Debutots, we create spaces where children can be curious, spontaneous, and playful—developing not just performance skills, but the social and emotional foundations they need to thrive.
As Harriet reminds us: "When a child feels safe, valued, and heard, they experience a deep sense of connection. This gives them the confidence to go out into the world and be curious and playful with others."
Read Harriet's full article on the enterprising nature of play: https://www.brightteach.com/blog/the-enterprising-nature-of-a-childs-play-how-play-benefits-children-and-adults
Want to give your child the gift of developmental play through drama and storytelling?
Contact [email protected] to find out more about our classes and programmes.
written by Harriet Clark Child development researchers over the years have linked being playful with being synonymous with health. This is because when a child or an adult is able to be in a playful mindset, they are curious, spontaneous, and receptive to new ideas. A key element of play is that
