John Bayley has come to see Sarah Jackson, the reception teacher at Christ Church Primary School in Wandsworth. Sarah has over 10 years experience with this age group but is trying to introduce more structured play into her teaching. What will Bayley make of it? The theme is 'Down on the Farm' with children experimenting on a range of farm -elated activities such as milking and planting. Despite the school being located near Clapahm Junction and, as Bayley points out, the only pigs within 20 miles being wrapped in cellophane, it is startling how readily the children rise to the task. Bayley believes the work of Sarah, and her teaching assistants, is exemplary, and encourages them to spend as much time as possible in 'tours of duty', observing individual pupils, for up to fifteen minutes at a time. All of the adults are convinced structured play holds many opportunities for teachers and pupils and Bayley encourages the team to continue with their excellent work.

Video Series: Teaching With Bayley
Release Date 2005