Play vs. quality play: Is there actually a difference?

You walk into the childcare room and there are blocks on the floor, a few children reading a story, others mixing sand and rocks with Play-Doh. It can look like chaos. It's not. 

Underneath it, there's a whole world of intentional learning happening, the kind you might not spot unless someone points it out. And when you're paying childcare fees, it's fair to wonder: is this actually different to the play your kid does at home for free?

Between Us Mums, the podcast from Care for Kids, sat down with Nadia Wilson-Ali, Director of Education and Quality at Nido Early School, to find out. Nadia breaks down what "play-based learning" really means, why a block tower is secretly a maths lesson, and why not every child shows what they know the same way.

Spoiler: it's less about spotting the "right" activity, and more about balance, and knowing what to ask.

What does "play-based learning" actually mean?

It's not just letting kids do whatever they want, and it's not a free-for-all either. As Nadia puts it:

Play-based learning is how children learn best, and that is through play. The best way to think about it is that it's a vehicle to get to a learning destination, and the teacher is driving that vehicle to help children understand how to get where they need to go without realising it's happening.

Your child thinks they're just playing. Their educator is quietly building in maths, language, problem-solving and social skills the whole time. It's also part of Australia's Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the national guide every childcare service works from, so this isn't one centre's opinion - it's the whole sector’s. 

So, is home play "less than" childcare play?

Not at all. You don't need to feel guilty that backyard play isn't as structured. All play matters, whether it's Barbies on the lounge room floor or block towers at childcare. What matters is balance, not perfection. A high‑quality day includes:

• Free play - fully child‑led exploration
• Play‑based learning - educator‑guided play with a learning intention
• Intentional play - small, explicit teaching moments delivered playfully

No early learning centre needs to run one type all day. They just need a mix.

"But it's just a block tower." Is it really learning?

It's an easy thing to wonder about. A pile of blocks doesn't look like a lesson. Nadia would push back on that:

A child who's building a block tower is engaging in measurement. They might be hypothesising about how tall they can build that tower. They're using different coloured blocks, engaging in mathematical terminology around colour, or talking about shape. That child might also be learning early resilience when the tower falls over.

Maths, science, language and a little bit of resilience, all before morning tea. That's the hidden curriculum behind what from an outsiders perspective might look like a "chaotic" block corner.

Not every child demonstrates their learning in the same way, and that's fine

If your child would rather do anything than sit still and write their name, you're not raising a child who's behind. You're raising a child with a different way of showing what they know. Nadia explains:

A quality kinder environment is one where children can express their thinking and learning in many different ways. Some children are really active and like to use their bodies. Others love to write or engage in mark-making... Others might like to paint and create a representation of what they've learned.

Writing is just one language among many. A child who talks your ear off about a painting is showing their learning just as clearly.

What to actually ask your educator team

You don’t need an early childhood degree to spot quality. You just need the right questions.

Nadia’s advice is simple: ask educators to explain the play you’re seeing. Ask to see the program. Ask how each experience supports learning. For example, a note might say “blowing bubbles,” but the intention could be breath control and self‑regulation. The learning is often invisible until someone tells you it’s there.

So, don't be afraid to ask.

Does it matter if it's Montessori, Reggio or Steiner?

Less than you'd think. As Nadia puts it:

Play-based learning will be the same regardless of the philosophy, what changes is how teachers offer those experiences... If I want to go from Perth to Melbourne, I've got options. I can fly, I can walk, or I could take a train. They're just different choices, but I know I'll get to Melbourne eventually.

All three approaches are recognised in Australia and aligned to the national learning framework. Different route, same destination.

The bottom line

There's no single "correct" activity to spot in the classroom. Quality play is about balance, intention, and educators who can actually explain why. If you're ever unsure, ask the question. A good early learning centre will always have an answer for you.

This is just a taste of the full conversation. Hear Nadia break down play-based learning across every age and stage, from the baby room to kinder, on this episode of Between Us Mums, the podcast from Care for Kids: Listen on Spotify now or watch the full episode video below.