Towards a creativity-rich curriculum for the well-being of children 3 – 7 years.

Creativity can be strongly linked with the psychological and social well-being of children in their early years. Play, perhaps the archetype of creativity and often argued to be central to healthy personal development, always exists within a set of values. Inclusive values that honour each child’s identity, foster their good relationships and balance personal freedoms with collective responsibilities, can be encouraged through a curriculum full of opportunities to celebrate creative playfulness. Participation in arts at an early age can show the potential of creativity to bring about individual and collective growth. Three Early Years case studies demonstrate the positive impact of creative arts projects on the motivation, social interactions, personal security and confidence of young children.