Learn to Play

Service Description

Learn to Play Therapy Pretend play allows children to use imagination, explore ideas, and make sense of their world. For some children, this type of play doesn’t develop naturally and needs to be gently taught and supported. Learn to Play Therapy, developed by Karen Stagnitti, is an evidence-based approach designed to support the development of pretend play skills. Research shows that pretend (imaginative) play is a learned skill, not an innate one, and that developing this skill can significantly support children’s social, emotional, and behavioural growth. This approach is suitable for children aged 2–12 years, including both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, and is particularly supportive for children who: find imaginative or pretend play challenging need support developing social skills experience difficulties with early literacy and language skills may have missed opportunities to learn pretend play skills Learn to Play Therapy uses a structured, supportive approach to help children build these foundational play skills, which can then support broader learning, connection, and confidence. For more information about this approach, you can visit the Learn to Play Therapy website.