Incorporating Art in Nursery Play at Devonshire House
At Devonshire House, a Prep School and Nursery in Hampstead, creativity is at the heart of early years learning.
Our Nursery places a strong emphasis on art as away for children aged 2 to 4 to explore the world around them. As Ms Smith, Head of Acorns, explains, art is more than a pastime – it’s a vital part of child development.
Why Art Matters in the Early Years
Art supports a wide range of skills and developmental areas:
- Tactile learning – Children engage through touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste, building sensory awareness.
- Expression – Artistic mediums provide a “language” beyond words, helping children communicate feelings and ideas.
- Cultural participation – Every child has the right to engage in cultural activities and to have their voice heard.
- Curiosity and critical thinking – Art sparks imagination, encourages risk-taking, and helps children interpret the world around them.
- Social awareness – Through shared creative experiences, children build empathy, cooperation, and appreciation of difference.
Discovering Art with Nursery Children
At our Nursery School, art-based play is carefully designed to balance creativity with purposeful learning. Activities draw on four key elements:
- Materials – Paper, card, recycled objects, sound, and textures provide endless opportunities for discovery.
- Social interaction – Following Vygotsky’s principles, resources are positioned to encourage collaboration and conversation.
- Concepts – Focus on line, shape, construction, and coverage, allowing children to explore one idea at a time.
- Space – The layout of the environment is designed to inspire exploration, movement, and independent choice.
Taking Learning Further
To enrich the experience, children are introduced to different art techniques, tools, and vocabulary. Teachers use prompts and open-ended questions to encourage reflection, such as:
- 'What would you like me to notice first about your creation?'
- 'What was the trickiest part of making this?'
- 'Can you tell me why you chose these colours or shapes?'
These conversations help children think deeply about their own process and see themselves as artists from the very beginning of their education.
A Creative Start at Devonshire House
By incorporating art into everyday play, our Nursery provides children with a foundation for curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression. As an independent school in North London, we are proud to nurture creativity and confidence in every child, helping them build skills that will support their journey through education and beyond.
February 2026