The event, hosted by MP Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for children, was organised by TACTYC, a group of researchers, trainers and practitioners in early years.
Research was presented from a conference organised earlier this year by TACTYC, in conjunction with BERA (British Educational Research Association), on the subject of children as 'playful learners and adults as playful pedagogues.'
TACTYC president Wendy Scott told Nursery World that the research was highly relevant for the review of the EYFS and the primary curriculum review by Sir Jim Rose.
Ms Scott said there was 'very little funded research' into the relationship between play and learning. She said that although play has a high profile, researchers believe the complex relationship between play and learning remains poorly understood.
'We hope that the evidence we present will help link research with policy and practice, and have a growing influence on training,' said Ms Scott.
'We want practitioners to develop their judgement and practice for the particular families and children they work with.'
Rather than using the EYFS as a 'tick-list' approach to child development, she said adults should 'tune in to children to see what they can do. Children are at the height of their powers when they are playing.'
Ms Scott said the research would be ongoing and a book on the subject is planned.
She said that the aim was also to restore the view of the UK held in the 1970s and 80s, when it was seen as leading the way in cutting-edge practice and world-class research in play and learning and early education.
Further information: A summary of the research findings is to be published shortly at www.tactyc.org.uk.