Case study · Mayfield Early Learning

Turning anxiety into empowerment, one imaginative scenario at a time.

One of 45 Mayfield early learning centres across Australia embracing play-based learning. Here's what the educator team told us about rolling out the School of Play Curriculum.

Mayfield
Mayfield Early Education
Mayfield Early Learning
Early learning centre network · 45 centres across Australia
Program
School of Play Curriculum
Network
45 centres, Australia-wide
Told by
The educator team
The story

A shift in confidence, and a culture of belonging.

We asked the educator team what changed. Here's what they noticed, in their own words.

Theme · Confidence

More confident, more independent

Since implementing the School of Play Curriculum, educators have noticed a real transformation in the children in their care. Children are becoming more confident and independent in their play, more willing to initiate conversations, and more skilled at collaborating with friends to solve problems together. Perhaps most strikingly, educators have observed a genuine growth in resilience — children who once hesitated are now leaning into challenges with curiosity and self-assurance.

A real moment

The dental-themed play experience

One moment stood out above the rest. During a dental-themed dramatic play experience, several children who had been nervous about an upcoming dental visit were given the chance to explore their fears through imaginative play. What started as apprehension quickly turned into excitement — children became eager to engage, and many confidently shared their own dental experiences with their peers.

Theme · Culture

A culture of belonging

The impact hasn't stopped at individual children — it's reshaped the atmosphere of the centre itself. Educators describe a warm, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where every child's ideas are genuinely valued. Teamwork, positivity, and a strong sense of belonging now run through the fabric of everyday interactions.

Theme · Educators

Structure with freedom

For the educators delivering it, the standout feature of the School of Play Curriculum is its flexibility. It integrates seamlessly into everyday practice, giving educators a framework that's both structured and adaptable — never rigid, always responsive to the children in the room.

“It provides a strong framework for meaningful play-based learning while still allowing educators to adapt experiences to the interests and needs of their children.”

The educator team — Mayfield Early Learning

Want this in your centre?

Book a discovery call or read how Precious Cargo, Mossgiel Park and Clyde Creek did it.

Acknowledgement of CountryThe School of Play acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.