| Type | Price |
|---|---|
For Members Standard Price Subsidy/Grant Applied Reduced Member Price |
$130.00 -$130.00 $0.00 |
Description
Early Childhood Breakfasts are targeted to support EC and school leadership and will include a guest speaker. In 2026, network meetings will focus on a key aspect of early childhood education each term.
Dr Sarah Aiono “Pedagogical Balance: Play as the Missing Piece in Primary Education” Reframing play as a strategic tool for curriculum, wellbeing, and future-ready learners. The session will include the following focus areas:
1. Why Play? Why Now?
The neuroscience of play and regulation.
Future-proofing learners through agentic, exploratory practice.
2.Play as Pedagogy – Not Just Free Time
Moving beyond misconceptions: what intentional, structured play looks. Examples of blending play with explicit literacy and numeracy instruction.
3. Addressing Resistance: Coaching Reluctant Educators
Introducing the P-BLOT™ and supplementary supports for teachers
How leaders can support teachers with low confidence or play literacy.
4.Western Australian Curriculum Context
Leveraging the EYLF through to Year 2 to build developmental continuity.
Practical leadership strategies for embedding a balanced pedagogy.
Outcomes
• Validate research-informed best practice in play-based pedagogy
• Learn strategic insights into balancing play, wellbeing, and explicit instruction within the primary and early years curriculum
• Explore practical examples that illustrate how play and inquiry-based learning can be used to strengthen student agency, regulation and core skill development
• Engage with tools to support teacher coaching and implementation of play practices, including strategies for supporting teachers at varying readiness levels
Presenters
Debbie Bolton (AISWA Staff)
Consultant | Early Childhood
Debbie Bolton is a dedicated and passionate educator who has spent the past 35 years in schools in Western Australia and England. She has extensive experience teaching in the early years and leading as an Early Childhood Coordinator, Deputy Head of Primary and Head of Primary. Debbie has a proven track record in curriculum development, pastoral care and staff support. She is committed to leading, demonstrating and advocating for educational excellence in the early years and beyond.
Sarah Aiono
As Co-Director and CEO of Longworth Education, Sarah is dedicated to closing the gap between research and classroom practice. With a background spanning diverse year levels and complex learning needs, she empowers educators across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK and beyond to implement evidence-informed, innovative teaching. Hosting the Play Conversations podcast and presenting internationally, Sarah’s work centres on helping both educators and organisations connect theory and practice. Longworth Education offers tailored, research-driven solutions aligned to each client’s vision, supporting effective, developmentally appropriate learning in a rapidly changing world.
Terms & Conditions
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Segments
Early Childhood Breakfast Network
Date / Time
13 Oct 2026 Starts: 07:00 Finishes: 09:00Delivery Format : In Person
AISWA
Address41 Walters Drive
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia