Play is often described as the “work” of childhood. But to early childhood educators, it is so much more. At Bridge Road, we know that play is how children make sense of the world, test ideas, build relationships, and discover who they are.
In fact, in many high-quality early learning environments, play becomes central to driving deep, meaningful learning.
While there is still much more to learn about how children learn, we know that play-based learning is recognised as one of the most effective approaches in children’s development. In fact, it is a cornerstone of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Australia’s national curriculum for early learning.
EYLF promotes holistic growth through play, exploration, curiosity, and strong relationships, values that sit at the heart of Bridge Road Early Learning Centre (BRELC).
The Science Behind Play-Based Learning
Decades of research show that play is essential for healthy brain development. When children engage in imaginative play, sensory exploration, or collaborative games, they are strengthening important neural pathways that support memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and emotional regulation.
There are a few types of play:
- Physical play: Developing gross and fine motor skills with climbing and building blocks.
- Dramatic play: Emotional regulation, social skills, and expression with dressing up or role playing.
- Sensory play:Touching and experimenting with materials such as sand and water.
- Nature and outdoor play: Building connection to the outside world and exploring nature.
- Creative play: Drawing, music, dance, and any creative arts to build expression and develop imagination.
It is recommended that children get at least 3 hours of physical activity a day. Unfortunately, only 1 in 3 Australian preschoolers meet this guideline. This is why early childhood learning must adopt play-based learning, particularly in the outdoors.
Key Benefits of Play in Early Childhood Education
Why is play so important to early childhood programs? As parents become busier with work and to-do lists, having a childcare provider who can assist with play is highly recommended. Play helps children develop the following skills.
1. Cognitive Development
Play promotes curiosity and deep thinking. Children experimenting with blocks, nature items, puzzles, and storytelling are building early mathematical understanding, pattern recognition, memory retention, and reasoning skills.
2. Emotional Growth
Through play, children express emotions, test boundaries, and learn to cope with challenges in a controlled environment. Pretend play allows children to process feelings, practice empathy, and develop resilience in safe, supported ways.
3. Social Skills
Group play teaches children how to collaborate, communicate, negotiate, and solve conflicts. These are life-long skills that help them thrive in school and beyond.
4. Physical Coordination
Active play, such as running, climbing, digging, balancing, and dancing builds strong muscles, coordination, balance, and body awareness. These skills are essential for overall health and school readiness.
Play-Based Learning and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
The Early Years Learning Framework in Australia positions play as a vital approach to early childhood education. Essentially, EYLF focuses on five key learning outcomes:
- Identity
- Connection with community
- Wellbeing
- Learning and thinking
- Communication
At Bride Road ELC, we bring these outcomes to life through meaningful, child-led play experiences. Our educators design learning environments where children follow their interests, explore freely, and ask questions.
We use a teaching approach inspired by Reggio Emilia, combined with EYLF principles, to ensure each day is filled with purpose, creativity, and discovery. For example, children at BRELC take part in:
- nature walks
- collaborative art projects
- small group investigations
- hands-on sensory experiences
- role-play and imaginative scenarios
These experiences allow children to explore, test ideas and experiment, with our educators gently guiding along the way.
How Our Educators Facilitate Meaningful Play
Play may appear spontaneous, but in a high-quality early learning centre, it is deeply intentional. While a play session at Bridge Road ELC may seem typical, it is a highly planned experience from our educators.
Here is what we actually do during play:
- Observe children closely to understand their interests and developmental needs
- Provide open-ended materials that invite exploration
- Ask thoughtful questions that extend thinking
- Scaffold problem-solving, communication, and cooperation
- Encourage children to take safe risks and build independence
Our teachers balance free play with guided learning, ensuring children experience both freedom and rich educational support. We also believe that children learn best when educators and families work together. As such, we consistently encourage families to be involved in their child’s education journey.
We collaborate with families through:
- Our daily StoryPark updates
- Face-to-face conversations during pick up and drop off
- Newsletters
- Open-door communication. Families are encouraged to book a meeting with our educators or administrators.
- Shared decision-making
We also have a Family Committee that meets once per term, giving families a direct voice in curriculum decisions, events, and centre improvements. Additionally, we host family events designed to connect parents with our curriculum, promote our local community, and celebrate our children’s achievements.
Creating Enriching Play Environments in Early Learning Centres
A child’s environment plays a crucial role in shaping their learning experiences. It’s important that the environment is safe, light-filled and inspiring for children. At Bridge Road Early Learning Centre, we design engaging, thoughtfully arranged spaces, which include:
- Secure ground-floor outdoor yards
- Natural play areas with real grass, gardens and sensory paths
- An on-site rabbit enclosure
- A worm farm
- Light-filled indoor rooms with furniture tailored to children’s needs
Each learning classroom is also specialised to meet the needs of children at every stage. We have three classrooms:
- Nursery: Soft sensory toys, cosy spaces for crawling, and safe exploration
- Toddler (Bagunga) Room: Kitchen play areas, art walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow
- Preschool (Kumbrook) Room: Science tables, construction zones, dramatic play areas, and inquiry-rich spaces inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy
Every environment encourages children to make choices, express themselves, and grow confidently at their own pace.
Conclusion: Building Brighter Futures Through Play
Play-based learning is the heart of early childhood development. It nurtures confident, capable learners who are ready to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, Bridge Road Early Learning Centre is proud to offer a nurturing, inquiry-rich, play-based curriculum that celebrates children as curious, capable learners.
To learn more about our play-based early learning programs, contact our team today or schedule a tour at our centre.
