Helping children to learn

The heuristic play project that was recently set up by the county council is being supported by a large number of local businesses, with a number of unwanted items that would previously have been dumped being given a new lease of life to help Derbyshire children to learn.

Heuristic play is where children are encouraged to develop their senses and skills by playing with objects. They are given the chance to play with objects which fill and empty, slot together and balance and build. The county council has invested £30,000 in the Derbyshire Toy Library Network, to develop a heuristic play scheme in 30 places across the county.

Courtaulds UK, in Belper, is the latest firm to donate by providing coloured cotton reels. Heuristic play taster sessions for youngsters are being offered by the Derbyshire Toy Library Network from this month.