Play-Based Learning in Forrestdale, Piara Waters, Harrisdale, Seville Grove, Haynes & Brookdale: How It Builds Brains

Play-based learning turns curiosity into skills. In Perth’s 6112 postcode suburbs, choose centres that offer rich, child-led play guided by qualified educators. The result: stronger language, self-regulation, problem-solving and school readiness. At Everwood (Forrestdale), daily play includes nature, music, movement and social games—with updates to parents and a gentle rhythm that children love.

Why play-based learning matters (in plain English)

Children’s brains grow fastest before age five. Play is how they practice life: negotiating with friends, planning, trying, failing, trying again. Guided by educators, play becomes purposeful learning—without worksheets or pressure. Parents see happier drop-offs, richer vocab, calmer behaviour and a smoother transition to kindy and school.

What “counts” as play-based? (and what each activity teaches)

Play experience	What your child actually learns	Example at Everwood
Block & loose-parts	Spatial reasoning, early maths, persistence	Build a bridge for toy cars; test and improve
Dramatic/role play	Language, empathy, self-regulation	Home corner café with menus and money
Outdoor/nature play	Risk assessment, motor skills, resilience	Balancing logs, gardening, weather journaling
Art & mark-making	Fine-motor control, creativity, early writing	Charcoal rubbings, big-brush murals
Music & movement	Patterning, memory, body awareness	Rhythm games, scarf dancing, yoga
Small-world play	Storytelling, sequencing, problem-solving	Trains in tunnels; “fix the track” challenge
STEM provocations	Inquiry, cause-and-effect, vocabulary	Magnets, ramps, mixing, sinking/floating

A day in a play-based room (sample rhythm)

6:00–8:30 Welcome & gentle choices (books, fine-motor trays) 8:30–9:15 Morning meeting & songs (language, belonging) 9:15–10:30 Indoor/outdoor play cycles (educator-guided provocations) 10:30–11:00 Morning tea (nutrition, self-help) 11:00–12:00 Project time (small-group inquiry; e.g., “bridges”) 12:00–2:00 Lunch & rest (individual sleep plans) 2:00–3:30 Kindy-readiness through play (phonological games, counting in context) 3:30–5:30 Golden hours outdoors (gross-motor, gardening, social play) 5:30–6:00 Unwind & stories (calm transitions)

Parents receive photos/notes via our daily updates so you can talk about the day with your child at home.

Suburb-by-suburb: choosing a play-based centre in 6112

Suburb	Drive-time to Everwood	What to prioritise on a tour
Forrestdale	< 5 min	Nature-rich yards, calm indoor zones, long opening hours
Piara Waters	~5 min	Child-choice stations (not “busywork”), educator interaction quality
Harrisdale	~5 min	Balance of kindy-readiness through play vs worksheet tasks
Seville Grove	~10 min	Community feel, mixed-age play moments, strong key-educator bonds
Haynes	~7 min	Outdoor variety (sand, mud, wheels, quiet nooks), flexible sessions
Brookdale	~12 min	Language-rich environments, social-emotional coaching in action

What to look for (quick tour checklist)

• Warm, tuned-in educators modelling language and problem-solving

• Child-led choices (multiple invitations to play, indoors & outdoors)

• Visible learning (photos, notes, children’s words) — not just “cute” crafts

• Real-world materials (loose parts, nature) alongside toys

• Consistent routines with flexibility for individual needs

• Communication you’ll actually read (daily summaries, quick replies)

Everwood’s approach (Forrestdale)

• Reggio-inspired play with strong relationships at the core

• Qualified team across babies–kindy, low turnover, key-educator model

• Chef-prepared meals (allergies catered), nappies & wipes included

• Early opens (6:00 am) for commuter families

• Daily parent updates (photos, learning stories, sleep/meals)

• Expansive, natural yards: mud kitchen, gardens, climbing, quiet retreats

Fees at a glance: Babies/Toddlers $165/day, Kindy $160/day. Most families receive CCS (60–95%); so out of pocket is often around ~$40 per day

FAQ

Is play-based “real learning”?

Yes. It builds language, executive function, early maths/science and social-emotional skills—without pressure.

How does play help with school readiness?

Through stories, sounds, patterns, turn-taking and self-regulation built naturally in games and projects.

What if my child is shy?

Educators scaffold gently: small groups, parallel play, clear routines and predictable peers.

Will my child still learn letters and numbers?

Yes—through songs, labels, recipes, maps, block plans and daily conversations.

Is outdoor play safe?

Yes—risks are assessed and supervised; children learn to judge and manage risk with guidance.

Come see play-based learning in action

Nothing beats seeing calm, joyful play with your own eyes. Visit Everwood Early Education in Forrestdale to meet the team and explore our spaces.

Come see play-based learning in action

Nothing beats seeing calm, joyful play with your own eyes. Visit Everwood Early Education in Forrestdale to meet the team and explore our spaces. Book a Free Tour today