How Following Children’s Interests Can Spark Creativity And Learning

Every child is born curious. From the moment they reach out to touch a new object or ask their first “why?”, they’re exploring the world through their natural sense of wonder. At Fennies Nurseries, we believe this innate curiosity should be nurtured, not directed. By following children’s interests, our educators create opportunities that spark creativity, deepen understanding, and make every moment of learning truly meaningful.

What Does It Mean To Follow A Child’s Interests?

In Early Years education, following a child’s interests means using what naturally excites them as the starting point for learning. Instead of planning every activity in advance, educators observe what children are drawn to, whether that be building towers or talking about dinosaurs. They then use those interests to guide the day’s experiences.

This child-led approach transforms curiosity into powerful learning. When children are engaged in something they care about, their motivation soars. They ask questions, test ideas and solve problems. All of which are the very foundations of creativity and cognitive development. At Fennies, this approach is embedded across our curriculum and pedagogy, ensuring every child feels seen and inspired to explore their world in their own unique way.

The Link Between Curiosity And Creativity

Creativity flourishes when children feel empowered to take ownership of their learning. By following their interests, we encourage children to think independently and begin to express ideas in imaginative ways. This can either be through mark-making, storytelling, music or even construction play, meaning each experience can help your child build confidence and strengthen neural connections essential for problem-solving later in life.

For instance, a child fascinated by the weather might be encouraged to create a rain gauge in the garden or draw clouds in the art studio. Through this integrated approach, one interest unfolds across multiple learning areas, science, art, language and sensory play, reinforcing that understanding through creativity and discovery.

At Fennies, this philosophy aligns closely with the EYFS framework and our own approach, enriching the children’s experiences. By blending structured expertise with child-led exploration, we create an environment where curiosity leads the way.

Creating Environments That Inspire

Children’s environments play a vital role in supporting their interests and creativity. Our purpose-built nurseries are thoughtfully designed to offer both freedom and focus, with calm, neutral spaces that encourage attention and imaginative thinking. 

Each room is carefully arranged to promote independence and choice, from sensory-rich baby areas to discovery corners for toddlers and creative studios for preschoolers.

Dr Sam Wass, a child psychologist who has worked closely with Fennies, supports our use of white walls and natural materials, explaining that they reduce overstimulation and help children focus more deeply on play and learning. When environments are calm, it allows the children’s imaginations to take centre stage and that’s where we see the magic happen.

Our free-flow indoor and outdoor spaces also enable children to follow their interests naturally, whether that’s exploring textures in the sensory garden or climbing and balancing in the playground. Outdoor learning at Fennies is an extension of the classroom! It’s a place where children’s ideas and questions can come to life through hands-on experiences.

The Role Of Educators As Co-Learners

At Fennies, our educators act as co-learners and facilitators. By observing the children closely, they can identify their emerging interests and skilfully weave them into the curriculum. For example, when a child shows curiosity about cooking, our educators might plan a session in the cooking studio to explore that interest, linking the experience to lessons in maths (measuring ingredients), literacy (following recipes) and wellbeing (discussing healthy eating).

This responsive teaching style helps children see learning as a joyful process of discovery. It fosters self-expression and critical thinking, skills that extend far beyond the nursery years.

How Child-Led Learning Nurtures Development Across The EYFS

Why Following Children’s Interests Matters In Early Years Education

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), every child’s journey is unique and that’s exactly how it should be. At Fennies Nurseries, our approach is built on recognising individuality. When we follow a child’s interests, we’re doing more than just keeping them engaged; we’re trying to nurture their key developmental skills that underpin the lifelong learning journey they’re about to undertake.

Research in early childhood education shows that children who learn through their interests retain information for longer and demonstrate higher levels of creativity, independence and problem-solving. This is because learning becomes personally meaningful, and when a child feels emotionally connected to what they’re doing, deeper learning naturally follows.

Our expert educators use the EYFS framework to ensure that this curiosity-led approach supports all seven areas of learning:

1. Communication and Language
2. Physical Development
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the World
7. Expressive Arts and Design
   
   

Every spark of interest can be used to develop these crucial skills through play and exploration.

Real-Life Examples From Fennies Nurseries

At Fennies, following children’s interests is at the heart of everything we do across all our age groups.

• Explorers (3–18 months): Our youngest learners are encouraged to explore through experiential play. When a baby becomes fascinated by the texture of water, educators extend this by offering sensory trays with bubbles or coloured ice, promoting both physical and cognitive development.
• Discoverers (18–24 months): When toddlers show interest in cause-and-effect play (e.g. stacking blocks or rolling cars) we expand on it with early maths and language activities. Educators might count aloud as towers grow taller or introduce positional language like “on top” and “underneath.”
• Creators (2–3 years): In this stage, children’s imaginations bloom. If a child loves animals, we might plan an activity to create a storybook featuring their favourite creatures, weaving in literacy and emotional development.
• Inventors (3+ years): Preschoolers are encouraged to take their ideas further. When a child shows an interest in cooking, for example, we involve them in preparing snacks with our on-site chefs, helping them measure ingredients and discuss healthy eating.

These moments reflect how Fennies’ environments are designed to follow the child’s lead, transforming everyday curiosities into opportunities for discovery and growth.

Supporting Parents To Continue Child-Led Learning At Home

Creativity doesn’t end when children leave nursery for the day. Parents also play a vital role in extending their child’s interests at home, and at Fennies, we support this through our Parent Partnerships and community events.

Here are a few ways families can encourage creativity and curiosity beyond the nursery day:

• Observe & Engage: Notice what captures your child’s attention, a puddle, a storybook, a puzzle. Then try to ask open-ended questions about it.
• Offer Choices: Provide a variety of materials (blocks, paint, natural items) and let your child decide how to use them.
• Connect Learning To Real Life: If your child loves vehicles, visit a local bus station or fire station together to see them up close.
• Celebrate Effort, Not Outcome: Praise their thinking, persistence and imagination rather than focusing on the “right” answer.
  
  

These small steps help children feel that their interests matter, building confidence and intrinsic motivation. Both of which are key traits that help prepare them for school and lifelong learning.

The Long-Term Benefits Of Following Children’s Interests

Building Confidence, Curiosity And Lifelong Creativity

When children are given the freedom to explore their interests, they develop their independence and a lifelong love of learning. This is why at Fennies, following children’s interests is a philosophy that shapes every aspect of our nursery day.

By allowing children to take the lead in their learning, we give them the space to make choices, test ideas and express themselves creatively. This independence strengthens self-esteem, as children learn that their ideas are valued. It also nurtures resilience as they discover that mistakes are part of the learning process and that trying again is a key part of problem-solving.

In the Early Years, these experiences are foundational. A child who learns through their interests develops the confidence to communicate, the curiosity to explore and the creativity to think beyond boundaries.

Preparing Children For School And For Life

At Fennies, school readiness begins the moment a child joins us. Following a child’s interests allows our educators to seamlessly weave in the essential skills that prepare them for their next step. For example:

• When a child helps count cups during snack time, they’re building mathematical understanding.
• When they share ideas in group story time, they’re developing language and social confidence.
• When they persist in building a tower that keeps falling down, they’re strengthening emotional resilience.
  

Our Inventors (preschool age) are encouraged to explore topics that inspire them, supported by our education specialists. This balanced approach, blending structure with creativity, means children enter school confident, curious and ready to thrive.

Why Fennies Nurseries Stand Out

With over 33 years of experience in Early Years education and 24 nurseries across London, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and Middlesex, Fennies has established a reputation for excellence. Our award-winning approach combines a nurturing environment with a forward-thinking curriculum that evolves around each child’s interests and developmental needs.

From our calm, beautifully designed rooms to nutritious, freshly prepared meals made by on-site chefs, every detail at Fennies is designed to help children flourish. Our teams of expert educators are trained in-house to deliver the highest standards of care and creativity, ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life.

Book A Tour And See The Fennies Difference

If you’re looking for a nursery that celebrates your child’s individuality and nurtures curiosity through every stage of development, Fennies is the perfect place to start.

Come and see how our educators follow children’s interests to inspire joyful, meaningful learning every day.

Book A Tour At Your Nearest Fennies Nursery Today!