Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

• Raising the Bar: A Guide to Thriving in the A&R Process

  The Assessment and Rating (A&R) process doesn't have to be a source of stress! This episode of Learn Play Thrive is here to transform your perspective. We're joined by the brilliant and innovative minds behind The National Quality Framework: The Musical, Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet and Louise Dorrat. With over 30 years of combined experience, these two thought leaders are masters at demystifying the A&R process and reframing it as an opportunity for professional growth. Tune in to hear them tackle common misconceptions and share practical strategies for services to shift their focus from "performing for the assessor" to genuinely embedding high-quality, reflective practice into their everyday work.Our conversation also dives deep into the heart of the National Quality Framework (NQF), exploring how services can effectively demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement beyond a single assessment visit. We'll discuss the critical role of the Quality Improvement Plan in telling an ECEC service’s unique story of dedication and growth. Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet and Louise Dorrat also share their invaluable insights on building a child-safe culture, emphasising that a child’s right to safety is a non-negotiable foundation of quality practice—a commitment that goes far beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements.Find out more:www.louisedorrat.com.auwww.facebook.com/louise.dorratwww.redrubyscarlet.com.au/www.facebook.com/drredrubyscarlet/www.instagram.com/drredrubyscarlet/www.linktr.ee/dr_red_ruby_scarletwww.linkedin.com/in/redrubyscarlet/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• The Pedagogical Artistry of Shared Thinking

  In this inspiring episode, we welcome back the conversation from last week and dive into the newly released book, Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation. We're sitting down with David Gilkes (B.Ed, MECE), a highly respected early childhood educator and Consultant with 30 years of experience across the sector; and the author of Chapter 2 – Mini-Stories: The Pedagogical Artistry of Shared Thinking.Drawing from his extensive work with 4 and 5-year-olds and his deep engagement with the Reggio Emilia approach, David explores the true power and poetry of pedagogical documentation. He redefines documentation not as a task, but as a stance—a poetic and democratic commitment to listening to and learning alongside children.David's chapter is a standout moment of reflective depth, focusing on the pedagogical artistry of mini-stories. He unpacks the power of these rich narratives to offer windows into the thinking of both children and educators. David reveals how simple classroom moments can become profound vehicles for co-constructed learning and democratic dialogue.Find out more:www.davidgilkeseducation.com/www.facebook.com/dgilkeseducationconsultant/If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation

  We’re thrilled to bring you an incredibly insightful episode of Learn Play Thrive, recorded at the REAIE conference in Adelaide! This week, we're joined by three of the early childhood sector’s most respected experts and authors - Dr. Alma Fleet, an Honorary Associate Professor at Macquarie University; Adam Christie, an early childhood teacher and consultant; and Anthony Semann, founding director of Semann & Slattery. Together, they have co-authored the groundbreaking new book, Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation. In this deep-dive conversation, they discuss the impetus behind their work, challenging us to look beyond traditional record-keeping and embrace a more dynamic, thoughtful approach to understanding children's learning.The conversation explores how pedagogical documentation is a "collective act of inquiry," a practice that not only honors children’s thinking but also elevates the very art of teaching. What does it mean to see children not just as learners, but as active citizens in shaping their learning journeys? How can we, as educators and teachers, embed curiosity, reflection, and collaboration into the very fabric of our teaching practice? This book is a celebration of pedagogical documentation—a transformative approach that challenges traditional planning and assessment. Our guests share powerful, practical examples of how educators have used documentation to genuinely drive positive change within their settings, moving from mere observation to a deeply reflective and empowering form of inquiry.Find out more:www.semannslattery.com/www.researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/alma-fleetwww.instagram.com/adamchristieconsulting/If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• Little Dreamers #5: Bubbles

  Get ready for some calm and quiet time with a brand new episode of Little Dreamers, our monthly mini-series of mindful stories from Learn Play Thrive! This month's theme is "Bubbles," a gentle tale designed to help preschoolers relax, connect with their bodies, and ignite their imagination. We've crafted this story to be the perfect companion for rest time, offering a peaceful experience for young children in ECEC settings. It's a wonderful way to introduce simple yet effective tools for mindfulness, including breathing exercises and a sense of gratitude, keeping little minds present and calm.In this episode, your child will be guided on a magical journey inside a shimmering bubble. Starting with gentle yoga poses—the Tiny Bubble Pose and the Big Bubble Pose—the story helps them feel safe, small, and then beautifully expansive. They'll learn to let go of worries and busy thoughts as they float above the clouds, returning to a peaceful, grounded state. For more tips on how to create the ideal environment for your little one to enjoy this episode, and to learn about our resources like our yoga pose cards, be sure to check out our Instagram page and our website.If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• A Day In The Life of a Centre Manager

  Step into the inspiring world of early childhood education on this episode of Learn Play Thrive, where we're joined by the incredible Ashleigh Waugh. With nearly 25 years of experience spanning teaching, management, and leadership across Australia and the UK, Ashleigh is a true veteran of the sector. Now, as the approved provider of Bright Start Preschool on the NSW Central Coast, she’s built a unique philosophy centered on her belief that "family comes first." Tune in to hear how this principle guides every interaction at her center, fostering a nurturing and connected environment for children, educators, and families.We'll take a peek behind the curtain of Ashleigh’s busy day as a center manager, exploring her key responsibilities and the strategies she uses to lead and empower her team. She’ll share how she helps her educators not only understand but embody the National Quality Framework in their daily practice. We’ll also delve into her important role within the broader early childhood community, discussing her work with the Central Coast Early Childhood Educators group and how these networks drive professional growth and elevate the quality of practice for everyone in the region.Find out more:www.brightstartpreschool.com.auwww.instagram.com/brightstartbateaubaywww.facebook.com/brightstartbateaubaywww.facebook.com/groups/CCEarlyChildhoodEducators/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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