Busy Bees have recently launched an exciting initiative called 'Our Imagination Station.'

This unique initiative follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), using the popular method of role-play to develop children's imagination and communication skills. Many childcare professionals believe that role-play not only encourages creativity, but also enhances a child's individuality.

'Our Imagination Station' was developed by Busy Bees following research that suggests cultivating a child's imagination will have a direct effect on the adult they will become. By using role-play themes based on a child's individual interests, Busy Bees hope to further develop little ones imaginations and creativity.

Nursery Staff at Busy Bees have been provided with specially developed activity cards linked to the EYFS. The activities are designed to build relationships with peers and develop skills such as communication, problem solving, creativity and movement.

'Our Imagination Station' is supported by Neil Griffiths, Director of a National Literacy Project for the Basic Skills Agency. Neil has created award-winning play resources, a nursery curriculum, a best-selling resource book on creative play, and imaginative material for the Early Learning Centre.

Neil commented, "Play is the most effective way to learn and live. It is a style of learning that incorporates all those factors that are good and necessary for a child's successful development and growth.

"Play should be the world of those who are young and those who wish to stay young. A world in which we can lose and find ourselves and where our imaginations can take us to any place we desire!"