Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Beyond safe spaces and caring educators, families today want to know how their child will learn and grow. At Tribe Early Learning, our approach is guided by play-led learning—sometimes also called play-based learning. It’s an approach backed by research, encouraged by the WA Department of Education, and proven to support children’s development in meaningful ways.
Just as importantly, play is the foundation for our inquiry-based pedagogy. By following children’s interests, our educators help turn play into deeper investigations and learning opportunities, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills from the very beginning.
In this article, we’ll unpack what play-led learning is, why it matters, and the specific benefits for young children in Perth. We’ll also share how Tribe brings play and inquiry into everyday routines and what you can expect when you visit our centres.
What is play-led learning?
Play‑led learning lets children lead their own exploration, while educators guide and extend their discoveries. It’s a natural context where they develop communication, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and social skills.
According to the WA Department of Education, “a play‑based learning environment encourages talking, reading, writing and thinking.” Every playful activity, from building with blocks to pretend cooking, becomes a building block for confident, lifelong learning.
Why play matters in early childhood education
Play is far more than “fun.” Here are some of the most important benefits of play-based learning for young children:
- Language and communication: When children role-play or negotiate in games, they develop vocabulary, practice listening, and strengthen conversation skills.
- Social and emotional development: Play helps children learn to share, regulate emotions, and build empathy. These are skills that prepare them for school and relationships beyond.
- Thinking and problem-solving: Through trial and error, children learn cause and effect, prediction, and critical thinking. A simple puzzle or building activity becomes a lesson in persistence.
- Physical development: Play builds both fine motor skills (using hands and fingers in craft or construction) and gross motor skills (running, climbing, balancing).
When you walk through a quality Perth childcare centre, you’ll see all of these skills unfolding naturally through play.
The Perth difference: why play-led learning thrives here
Perth offers a unique environment for early childhood education. With our outdoor lifestyle and love of nature, children have daily opportunities for active, imaginative play outside.
At Tribe, we embrace our Perth way of life. Our centres are designed with indoor–outdoor flow, sun-safe play areas, and plenty of opportunities for children to engage with natural materials. From sandpit adventures, exploring water play, or creating art inspired by nature, play-led learning feels right at home here.
How Tribe Early Learning brings play into everyday
Every day at Tribe is built around learning through play. Here’s how we put this into practice:
- Child-led inquiry: Children choose activities that spark their curiosity, whether it’s building, painting, or role-playing. Educators observe and extend these interests.
- Open-ended resources: Loose parts, natural materials, and creative provocations invite children to explore without limits.
- Indoor–outdoor flow: Our environments encourage movement, discovery, and a connection to nature.
- Learning woven into play: From counting blocks during construction to storytelling in group play, literacy and numeracy are embedded naturally.
- Supportive educators: Our educators are there to guide, ask questions, and document learning so families can see progress every step of the way.
Inquiry-based learning through play
At Tribe, play doesn’t stop at fun, it’s the foundation of our inquiry-based pedagogy, which grows directly from each child’s interests. When a child shows curiosity, our educators help them ask questions, investigate, and explore ideas more deeply.
For example, a child building towers with blocks might spark an inquiry into bridges, balance, or how buildings stand tall. This way, play becomes more than entertainment; it becomes a launchpad for curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving.
By combining play-led and inquiry-based approaches, Tribe gives children both the freedom to explore and the guidance to extend their learning in meaningful directions.
What to look for on a tour
If you’re considering childcare in Perth, here’s what you’ll want to notice when you tour a centre:- Children actively leading their play and showing confidence.
- Educators who listen, encourage, and build on children’s ideas.
- Varied spaces that inspire imagination and problem-solving.
- Documentation of learning (like wall displays or Storypark updates) showing how play connects to development.
- A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that feels like home.
Ready to see play-led learning in Perth?
The benefits of play-based learning are clear: it supports children’s growth, prepares them for school, and nurtures their love of learning. Here in Perth, our community, culture, and lifestyle make play-led learning even more impactful.
At Tribe Early Learning, we’re proud to be a family-owned childcare provider that values both play and inquiry as the heart of early education. If you’d like to see how it works in practice, we’d love to welcome you for a tour or invite you to one of our upcoming Open Days.
Contact us today to book a visit and see why so many Perth families choose Tribe Early Learning.
