Learning through play

Learning Through Play, Curiosity and Discovery

We believe children learn best when they are actively involved, interested and enjoying what they do. Our educational program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) and combines play-based learning with intentional teaching to support each child’s individual development, interests and strengths.

Children investigating leaves, pine cones and water with magnifying glasses and an educator

Through hands-on experiences, exploration, creativity, conversations and meaningful play, children are supported to develop:

  • Communication and language
  • Social and emotional skills
  • Creativity and imagination
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Independence and confidence
  • Early literacy and numeracy
  • Physical development and wellbeing

Our qualified educators and Early Childhood Teachers observe children’s interests and learning, then thoughtfully extend these through purposeful experiences and environments.

When children are engaged in meaningful play, they are building the foundations for lifelong learning.

What is play-based learning?

Children learn by doing — building, pretending, exploring, talking and creating. Play gives them real reasons to solve problems, try new words and work with others, at their own pace.

What is intentional teaching?

Educators plan with purpose. They notice what each child is interested in and ready to learn, then add a question, idea or experience that takes their learning further.

Explorers to Challengers

Our Learning Environments

Every stage of early childhood brings new discoveries. Our environments are designed to support each child’s development, interests and growing independence through meaningful relationships, play and purposeful learning.

An educator reading a picture book with three babies on the play mat

Explorers | 0–18 months

Our Explorers environment offers a calm, nurturing and responsive introduction to early learning. With a small group of up to eight children, educators can build trusted relationships, respond to individual routines and provide meaningful opportunities for sensory discovery, movement and play.

Explore Explorers
Toddlers stacking shapes and building with an educator at a play table

Innovators | 18 months–3 years

Our Innovators are busy discovering their independence, language and the world around them. This environment encourages exploration, creativity, movement and social connection, with educators supporting children’s growing confidence, communication and emerging interests.

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Children investigating leaves, pine cones and coloured water with magnifying glasses and an educator

Experimenters | 3–4 years

Our Experimenters are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, create and discover through hands-on, play-based learning. Children build friendships, independence, communication and problem-solving skills through experiences that extend their curiosity.

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A child presenting an “All About Animals” chart to her group and two educators

Challengers | 4–6 years

Our Challengers environment supports children as they prepare for the transition to school. Through our School Readiness Program, children are encouraged to build confidence and independence, collaborate with others, take responsibility and develop a lasting love of learning.

Explore Challengers

The EYLF in plain language

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. It guides how educators support children’s learning and development from birth to five years and through the transition to school. The current version, V2.0, was released in 2022. It describes five learning outcomes for every child:

Outcome 1

A strong sense of identity

Feeling safe, secure and proud of who they are.

Outcome 2

Connected with their world

Belonging to groups and communities, and caring for others and the environment.

Outcome 3

A strong sense of wellbeing

Healthy, happy and learning to manage feelings.

Outcome 4

Confident, involved learners

Curious, willing to try, and able to solve problems.

Outcome 5

Effective communicators

Sharing ideas through talking, listening, drawing, early reading and writing.

Visit us

Come and See TKW for Yourself

Choosing an early learning centre is an important decision. We would love to welcome you, show you around and answer your questions.