Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand dives into Quality Area 5, Standard 5.2 to explore how early childhood settings support children in building sensitive, responsive peer relationships. Moving beyond basic group work, Simone breaks down Element 5.2.1 on collaborative learning, highlighting how educators can foster peer mentorship and facilitate long-term, child-led inquiry projects where children act as co-constructors of knowledge. Through practical insights and real-world centre stories, she demonstrates how stepping back allows children to teach, inspire, and support one another.  

Shifting the focus to Element 5.2.2, the conversation examines self-regulation and restorative conflict resolution. Simone details h...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with leading researcher Professor Sandie Wong to unpack groundbreaking ARC-funded research on the early childhood workforce crisis. Moving beyond stereotypes that undervalue early childhood education, Professor Wong provides hard evidence on the immense complexity, rapid task-switching, and specialised skills required of educators—highlighting the unique, irreplaceable contributions degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) bring to children's learning and wellbeing.

The conversation reveals the essential ingredients behind Exceeding rated services, detailing the structural conditions—such as strong leadership, fair pay, and dedicated time for critical reflection—that allow...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison sits down with acclaimed children's author Adelle Frittitta to discuss her heartwarming picture book 'My Nonno Loves'—a 2026 CBCA shortlisted title in the Early Childhood category. 

This story explores intergenerational relationships and the non-verbal, everyday ways families communicate love across language and age barriers. Together, Linda and Adelle dive into how real-world stories validate children's lived experiences, foster cultural identity, and align with EYLF V2.0 outcomes by strengthening a child's sense of belonging.

The conversation offers early childhood educators a rich array of pe...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with Amanda MacDonald, Early Learning Specialist at Education Services Australia (ESA).

They discuss the national expansion of Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA), a government-backed, play-based digital language program into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms. Amanda shares how ELLA’s suite of 11 immersive, curriculum-aligned apps—offering 13 different languages—helps young learners build confidence, curiosity, and intercultural understanding right from their earliest years of education.

Whether you are a language specialist or an early childhood educator, this episode is packed with practical strategies to lower...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive mini-series on Road Safety in Early Education, we welcome back Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn from Kids and Traffic—the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University.

We explore how everyday travel and road safety education provide a meaningful context to spark children's early numeracy understandings. From tallying travel modes using 3D bar graphs, to exploring spatial concepts through small-world safe play -- the conversation highlights how play-based data collection can support children's numeracy and road safety learning.

The discussion also dives into intentional teaching st...

In this special feature episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast celebrating Early Learning Matters Week 2026, host Simone Brand chats with three distinguished early childhood leaders—Mary-Louise Clifford (Nominated Supervisor, Glenning Valley Child Care Centre), alongside Kylie Wade (Director) and Ella Peers (Educational Leader) from Highland Grove Preschool. Together, they unpack the foundational pillars of high-quality early childhood education and care. From the critical importance of staff longevity and secure attachments to the challenges surrounding Inclusion Support Scheme (ISS) funding for vulnerable children -- this conversation offers a raw, expert look at what it takes to build early learning en...

In this inspiring episode of our Play Provocations mini-series, host Linda Harrison is joined by lead early childhood educator Michelle Jackson to explore how intentional environmental design can elevate construction play into a rich hub for creativity, engineering, and storytelling. 

Together, they unpack the pedagogical power of construction play—highlighting how manipulating open-ended mediums like timber offcuts, loose parts, and natural elements allows children to bring their 3D ideas to life. You'll hear expert insights on how constructive play acts as one of children's powerful "hundred languages" to test hypotheses, collaborate with peers, and express early mathematical und...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with Bec Burch, the visionary founder of Bush Kindy Australia. As Australia’s leading provider of Bush Kindy Leader Training and nature pedagogy professional development, Bec mentors educators nationwide to build confident, compliant, and meaningful nature-based programs.

Grounded in her daily, hands-on work with children on the Gold Coast, Bec shares her passionate belief in every child's right to play outdoors, sharing how immersive nature play builds resilience, emotional well-being, and vital ecological literacy.

Together, Simone and Bec unpack what Bush Ki...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library mini-series, host Linda Harrison sits down with Order of Australia honoree and award-winning author Susanne Gervay to explore her moving picture book, 'Ships in the Field'.

Drawing from her own family history as the child of post-war refugees, Susanne shares the inspiration behind this CBCA Notable story, which tenderly captures the journey of migration and belonging through a child's eyes. Together, they discuss how the book gently balances heavy themes of trauma with the warmth of everyday family rituals, imagination and the universal search for home.

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, we welcome Amelia, former Early Learning Music Specialist at International Grammar School and founder of Rhymey. After witnessing firsthand how intentional musical moments can instantly transform classroom energy—bringing focus, emotional regulation, and deep connection to young children—Amelia launched Rhymey to bridge the growing gap in early childhood music education. As tertiary courses move away from traditional music pedagogy, Amelia's hands-on travelling workshops equip educators with practical, science-backed strategies to confidently reintroduce music into their daily routines.

This episode dives into the neuroscience of music and explore how...

Welcome back to the Navigating the NQS podcast mini-series with host Simone Brand! In this episode, Simone dives straight into the absolute heart of daily early childhood practice - Quality Area 5, Standard 5.1. 

Simone unpacks the deep intentionality needed to maintain respectful and equitable relationships with each child, showing how an Exceeding-level service transforms ordinary routines into powerful rituals of safety and belonging.

This epsiode explores Element 5.1.1 (Positive interactions) and Element 5.1.2 (Dignity and rights of the child), illustrating how quality practices reject a "one-size-fits-all" behaviour management. Instead, she highlights the power of deeply attuned, individualised connection r...

In this inspiring episode, Simone sits down with the leadership and pedagogical powerhouse team from Gilgandra Preschool. Together, they share how they have pioneered a model of "adaptive quality" that is responsive to changing rural/regional/remote community realities, workforce pressures and unique child needs.

The team dives deep into the philosophy that high-quality outcomes do not begin with programs alone, but rather through a beautiful chain reaction -  people build culture, culture shapes systems, systems sustain quality, and quality ultimately strengthens outcomes for children. 

Listeners will hear how Gilgandra Preschool moves far beyond box-ticking to...

Welcome back to the Road Safety in Early Education podcast mini-series! In this episode, we reframe the local streetscape as a giant, interactive picture book, demonstrating how road safety education naturally drives early language and literacy.

Aligning with EYLF V2.0 Outcome 5, the team discusses how real-world experiences—like decoding environmental print and using "commentary walking"—build rich oral language and critical thinking in young children.

The conversation covers practical ways to weave vital road safety messages into play-based learning using Kids and Traffic's free resources. Our guests highlight how educators can use DIY storybook templates to c...

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast! In this episode, host Simone Brand sits down with Dorothée Seeto, Director of Endless Play Studio.

Many early childhood services find themselves stuck, scattered, or dependent on a single passionate educator when it comes to sustainability practices. Dorothée delivers a powerful reframe to overcome this overwhelm - "Sustainability isn’t just an extra chore or green stuff like recycling bins, but the vital project of growing capable, connected and courageous 21st-century citizens".

The discussion unpacks how to drive a genuine culture of sust...

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Play Provocations podcast mini-series with host Linda Harrison! In this episode, Linda is joined by Dr. Kate Highfield, Head of School for the School of Teacher Education at the University of Canberra. As a co-author of Early Childhood Australia’s updated 'Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies', Dr. Highfield shares ways digital tools can be used as open-ended loose parts that interact with the physical world to deeply enrich wonder, investigation, and creative agency.

The discussion unpacks vital planning considerations from the revised ECA statement, highlighting the four key pi...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand invites listeners to journey into the intentional heart of infant and toddler pedagogy alongside two leading academics and sector voices - Andi Salamon from the University of Canberra and Tina Stratigos from the University of Sydney.

This deep-dive discussion aims to move foundational theorists like Bowlby, Parten, and Piaget off the dusty bookshelf and directly into everyday early childhood practice. As co-authors of the recently published resource 'Intentional Practice with Infants and Toddlers: Pedagogies for Learning, Development and Wellbeing', Andi and Tina share their immense...

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library mini-series, where host Linda Harrison is joined by Linda Stock—a qualified early childhood educator, therapeutic practitioner, and university lecturer specialising in children’s literature. 

In this illuminating conversation, the two experts dive deep into the emotional landscapes of picture books, focusing on Anna Walker’s award-winning story, Mr Huff. Linda Stock draws upon her extensive background in Bibliotherapy and Narrative Therapy to explain how the story externalises a child’s anxiety, turning a heavy emotion into a separate entity—a grey cloud named "Mr Huff"—that ch...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand sits down with Dr. Kaylene Henderson—a medically trained child and adolescent psychiatrist, parenting specialist, and one of Australia’s most trusted early childhood experts. Known for her warm, relatable style and ability to translate complex research into "doable" approaches, 

Dr. Henderson unpacks the emotional and practical hurdles parents and educators face when navigating the "Goldilocks dilemma" of support. Together, they explore why it is so difficult to step back, how our own upbringing and modern time pressures impact our teaching, and how to successfully find...

What takes an early childhood service from a group of people working in the same building to a collaborative, ethical community of practice? In this episode of our Navigating the NQS mini-series, host Simone Brand dives straight into the heart of team culture: Quality Area 4, Standard 4.2 – Professionalism. 

This quality standard is about the spirit—it’s the invisible glue that holds a service together. We discuss how Exceeding services move beyond just "getting along" by using active tools like peer mentoring circles and strengths registers, while transforming the ECA Code of Ethics from a staffroom poster into a livin...

In this very special live episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Aunty Tracey Linn Bostock—a Bundjalung Mulungjali Woman, artist, author and early childhood educator with over 30 years of experience in the sector.

If you have ever used the beautiful Acknowledgement of Country featured on ABC's Play School, you are already familiar with Aunty Tracey's incredible work. In this episode, she shares the deep meaning behind those words, her visionary ideas for the sector and practical wisdom for educational leaders striving to be genuinely culturally responsive.

Key discussion points:
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In this episode of our Road Safety in Early Education mini-series, we explore how to move beyond 'Road Safety Week' and embed life-saving messages into your daily curriculum throuhgout the year. Using high-quality, play-based pedagogy aligned with the EYLF V2.0, we discuss how to use transitions, dramatic play, and children’s spontaneous interests to make road safety a natural part of early learning.

The highlight of the episode is a deep dive into Gilgandra Preschool, where road safety is embedded through First Nations culture. Discover how educators used the Wiradjuri word Girrawaa (goanna) to create a culturally re...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we explore the vital role of sleep and rest in early childhood settings with the team from Sleep Smart Australia.

Quality sleep is a cornerstone of child development, yet navigating sleep routines in an ECEC environment can be complex. We dive into how Sleep Smart Australia is revolutionizing this space by bridging the gap between safe sleep guidelines and nurturing, responsive practice. We discuss their unique approach, which integrates evidence-based safety standards with the Circle of Security® framework, ensuring that sleep time is not just a routine, but a moment o...

Step outside the four walls of an early years classroom and into a world of invitations to wonder. In this episode of Play Provocations, Linda Harrison sits down with Centre Director and nature play advocate Aimee Hansen to explore how the natural world acts as a living, breathing co-teacher. They discuss how nature play builds essential executive function and school readiness in children under five. By engaging with sticks, stones, and soil, young learners are developing a deep-seated appreciation for sustainability and their role as active citizens in a changing world.

Get ready to transform your practice...

In this moving episode, we are joined by international guest Jeanette Yoffe, Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy and founder of the Celia Center in LA. Jeanette shares her profound personal journey through the foster and adoption systems, explaining how her own history of separation fueled her mission to become a therapist and advocate. She introduces powerful therapeutic tools — such as the "anger, sad, and out-of-control bags" — designed to help children process the complex traumas and instabilities often associated with being in care.

For educators, Jeanette highlights the critical role of becoming a "safe attachment figure" through consistency and...

Join us for a heartwarming new episode of the Learn Play Thrive: Little Library mini-series! Host Linda Harrison sits down with bestselling children's author Ashleigh Barton to explore her latest picture book, What Do You Call Your Mum?

This rhyming story takes readers around the world to discover the many names for "Mum"—from Okaasan in Japan to Tina in Fiji. Ashleigh shares the inspiration behind this "love letter to families," explaining how the story shows that while languages and cultures vary, the nurturing role of a mother figure is a shared human experience. It’s a soul...

In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, we are joined by Megan Jones, a Clinical Psychologist with over 26 years of experience, to unpack the science behind building secure attachments.

Megan clarifies common misconceptions, explaining how research-driven attachment-based parenting is vastly different from permissive parenting. We explore the "control center" of the parent-child relationship, focusing on how co-regulation and emotion coaching allow parents to stay deeply connected with their children even during the most challenging tantrums and bedtime battles.

The discussion provides a practical roadmap for setting clear, age-appropriate limits without sacrificing warmth. Megan...

In this next episode of our Road Safety in Early Education mini-series, host Linda Harrison is joined by experts Amanda and Bec to shift the conversation from "one-off incursions" to a deliberate, ongoing commitment. We dive into the three core pillars of effective road safety education - partnerships, policies, and programming. Discover why road safety shouldn't be a stand-alone topic, but rather a living part of your service’s daily routines. Our guests explain how to move beyond basic messages and create a robust framework that embeds road safety into the very fabric of your early childhood environment.

In this compelling episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand joins forces with Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, to confront the systemic fractures currently defining the early childhood landscape. From 'childcare deserts' and soaring fees to the myth of informal care, this conversation strips away the political jargon to reveal the real-world impact on Australian families. Georgie explains why the current market-driven ECEC model is operating as failing social infrastructure, and she calls for a fundamental shift in how we value the early years.

The dialogue dives deep into the non-negotiable reality of the workforce...

In this episode of the Navigating the NQS mini-series, host Simone Brand dives into Quality Area 4, Standard 4.1—Staffing Arrangements. Simone tackles the elephant in the room—the national ECEC workforce shortage—and explores how high-quality services can maintain intentionality despite the daily marathon of meeting ratios. We break down how to move beyond simply 'covering the floor' to strategically deploying staff strengths, ensuring that even during high-stress transition times or when utilising relief staff, the focus remains firmly on children’s learning and development.

The discussion explores the critical balance between 'organisation of educators' (4.1.1) and 'continuity of staff...

In this special live episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, we take you to the heart of the ECA Regional, Rural and Remote Early Childhood Forum in Coffs Harbour. Host Simone Brand explores the vital work being done by professionals who champion quality early education across NSW’s most diverse landscapes. This episode dives deep into the unique challenges and incredible opportunities facing regional services today—from overcoming distance barriers for professional development to building cross-sector partnerships that strengthen local communities. 

Straight from the exhibition floor, we bring you the voices of the educators and exhibiting organ...

In this episode, Play Provocations returns with a deep dive into Small World Play. Host Linda Harrison is joined by Centre Director Aimee Hansen to discuss how miniature environments—filled with tiny figurines, recycled loose parts, and natural materials—are powerful vehicles for child-led learning. We explore how small world play allows children to act out complex emotions and make sense of the world around them. 

Aimee and Linda share three inspiring play provocation set-ups. You'll hear how to create a dinosaur garden that blends kinetic sand, moss rocks, and wood slices to foster early math and engin...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand broadcasts live from the ECA Regional, Rural & Remote Forum to tackle the most pressing legal and industrial shifts hitting the ECEC sector. We are joined by Leanne Cruden, a seasoned industrial relations lawyer leading the charge on gender-based undervaluation proceedings for the Australian Industry Group.  Victor Lin, a senior solicitor and employment law expert from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries also joins the conversation. Together, they pull back the curtain on the complex intersection of fair pay, legislative reform, and the future of the ECEC workforce, providing m...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, we head to the seaside to explore the 2026 CBCA Notable picture book, Castle Crashing. Join host Linda Harrison and award-winning author Andrea Rowe as they dive into the relatable world of Bonnie, a young girl whose beach day takes a turn when her friends’ creative visions collide with her own. 

Beneath the beautiful, salt-sprayed illustrations by Hannah Sommerville lies an exploration of early childhood milestones, from the tricky negotiation of sharing and turn-taking to the "boiling over" of big emotions. Andrea shares how the natural environment acts as a...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Andrew Paterson, CEO of Family Day Care Australia (FDCA). With over a decade of leadership at the national peak body, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the unique strengths of the family day care (FDC) model and how it serves as a high-quality pillar of the early childhood sector. We dive into FDCA’s pivotal role as a fierce advocate for quality across the sector, discussing how they represent members in national forum to shape policy and elevate the professional identity of home-based educators across the co...

Welcome to a special edition of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we launch an exciting 10-part mini-series Road Safety in Early Education. Recorded in partnership with Kids and Traffic, the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University, this series is designed to empower educators with evidence-based strategies for keeping our littlest learners safe.

In this premiere episode, host Linda Harrison is joined by expert road safety education consultants Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn. We explore why educators are a trusted source for families and how to effectively weave road safety messages into...

In this episode, we sit down with pedagogical leader Kelly Goodsir to explore the transformative power of intentional inquiry and deep listening in early learning. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly discusses how to reimagine educational leadership, moving away from "habitual" responses toward a relational, purposeful practice. She shares strategies for navigating team tensions and holding space for generative dialogue, ensuring that every decision honours the voices of both children and educators.

Drawing on concepts like Adam Grant’s 'rethinking cycle', Kelly offers practical advice on building a culture of curiosity. She emphasizes the importance of being "aw...

In this episode, host Simone Brand explores National Quality Standard 3.2 - Use of the Physical Environment. We dive into: 
- Element 3.2.1 and the importance of creating a sense of belonging through responsive, inclusive pedagogy.
- Element 3.2.2 by exploring how carefully selected open-ended resources and natural materials can support play-based learning. 
- Element 3.2.3 and ways services can embed sustainability as a core pedagogical value. 

To help your team move toward an Exceeding rating, Simone shares critical reflection questions focused on cultural inclusion, healthy risk-taking, and environmental stewardship. We also announce our brand-new professional development course, 'Th...

In this episode, we are joined by a powerhouse duo from the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) - Chairperson Kate Mount and General Manager Cara Mearns. With over six decades of combined experience, Kate and Cara explore the profound impact of the Reggio Emilia Approach in Australian early childhood settings.

We dive into the heart of Loris Malaguzzi’s 'Hundred Languages of Children', discussing how this central concept challenges educators to look beyond traditional schooling and make children’s limitless thinking visible through multimodal learning and a range of creative media.

The conversation also addr...

Join hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing as they explore the vital role of Risky Play in early childhood settings! Find out why risky play is important for building a young child's resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. This episode equips educators to understand the 6 types of Risky Play in early education.
 
You'll take away an innovative play provocation idea with using tools at a  Woodworking and Whittling Station. Discover how to safely set up an inviting outdoor workshop using natural materials and real tools to teach responsibility, persistence, and focus. This episode will empower you to become a...

In the second part of our deep dive into play schemas, host Linda Harrison and Educational Leader Rachel Emms explore the final four of the 'Big Eight' patterns of behaviour - orientation, positioning, enveloping, and rotation. 

By understanding these play schemas, educators can transform their physical learning environments into responsive 'third teachers' that cater to a child’s natural urge to wire their brain through repetitive, physical investigations of the world around them. The conversation offers a treasure trove of practical play provocations designed to elevate these schematic interests into deep pedagogical inquiries. 

If you enjo...