Cover -- Contents -- Introducing sensory play -- What is sensory play? -- Our amazing senses -- Processing sensory information -- Theories of sensory play -- Theories of sensory-rich play outdoors -- Theories of heuristic play, treasure baskets, loose parts -- Theories of brain development -- The benefits of sensory play -- Appraising sensory provision -where to start? -- Our amazing senses -- The brain -- Olfactory (smell) -- Tactile (touch) -- Visual (sight) -- Gustatory (taste) -- Auditory (hearing) -- Proprioception, kinaesthetic,vestibular -- Sensory play in action -- Simplicity -- Flexibility -- Play with objects -- The senses -- Outdoor Play -- Nature tables -- Mud Play -- Water Play -- Treasure Baskets, Heuristicand 'Loose Parts' Play -- Stage 1 - Free play -- Stage 2 - Combining resources -- Stage 3 - Adult-initiated play -- Play with objects -- Practical tips for minimisingproblems -- Sensory play and special educational needs -- Lack of feedback -- Lack of integration -- Over and under stimulation -- Focus on detail -- Positive action -- The sensory room - a sensory'main meal' -- Treasure baskets - a 'sensory snack' -- The outdoor environment- a 'main meal' or'sensory snack' -- Implications for adults -- Curriculum links -- Prime areas -- Communication and language (CL) -- Physical development (PD) -- Special areas -- Observation and assessment -- Observations and sensory play -- Note on education policy -- The adult's role -- Safety -- Stimulating resources -- Space -- Time -- Support -- Conclusion -- Further references -- Other Title in the Play in the EYFS series.