Michael Follett, a specialist in children's play, emphasizes that mud play is vital for children's development, offering opportunities for creativity and risk management. He states, "It's so tactile, you can use it as paint or squish it into a pot. Mud allows children to engage deeply with nature and develop their physical and mental health." Follett's work illustrates the need for schools to embrace messy play for overall child growth.
Amy Frost, the headteacher of Holsworthy Church of England primary school, acknowledges some parental concerns over muddy play. However, she believes the focus should be on children’s happiness and growth. She explains, "As schools, we've become fearful of allowing children to take risks. Our revamped playground encourages them to manage risks while having fun. The support we’ve seen from parents shows they value this approach, despite the muddy clothes."
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