Date
22/12/2025
Grant holder
Rebecca Goulding and Alexandra Powell, Cardiff Flying Start
Project status
In Progress

An action research project focussing on the flow of children's experiences using block play as a 'tool' for exploration.

This project based at Cardiff Flying Start is exploring the flow of children's play between the indoor and outdoor environment, using blocks as a tool.

Froebel believed that providing children with blocks allowed them to gain knowledge around mathematical and technological concepts as well as being a resource for children to express themselves in their own way.

The researchers will work with educators using the Froebelian Principles to enhance their understanding of how blocks can support children's development.

The team will consider if children are freer using block play outdoors compared to indoors, and if so, how?

Using observations and discussion with practitioners to record their findings, the researchers hope to produce a video that will support Early Years Educators.

"We hope that our findings from this project will provide a resource to support educators to see the value of outdoor block play and develop their pedagogy." Project leaders based at First Steps Trelai in Cardiff

A final report on the findings from this project is expected in Spring 2026.

Download the Froebel Trust's free pamphlet on Froebel's gifts and block play.

About Flying Start Cardiff

Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme which is targeted at children aged 0-3 years and their families who live in certain areas of Cardiff. The provision of high quality childcare for children from 2-3years old is the centre piece of the services provided under the Flying Start initiative. Childcare is provided in a variety of settings across Cardiff and the Childcare Advisory Team work closely with all settings to support, develop and monitor quality practice.

This Froebel Trust funded project is based at First Steps Trelai in Ely which is a district and community on the western side of Cardiff. This is considered to be an area of considerable deprivation and economic disadvantage. First Steps Trelai provide childcare to children eligible for Flying Start the term after their 2nd birthday and for 3 terms only. They are a purpose built facility based in Trelai Primary School.