The role of play in young children's learning is finding new defenders around the world. Ruth Thomson hears some of the latest thinking.

Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to flood into New York's Central Park next month to join in the Ultimate Block Party, a fun, family day out with some serious messages about young children's play and learning and the needs of the 21st century workforce.

Children and their parents will be able to take part in a huge Simon Says, create music in a pots-and-pans band and build a skyscraper at the event on Sunday, 3 October. In all, more than 25 interactive activities will be on offer, spanning curriculum themes such as creativity, science and language and all designed to illustrate the links between play and learning.

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