Permission to Play
Description
Permission to Play
Purpose, Possibility & Positive Risk: Rethinking Play Across the School Day
What happens when we give children genuine permission to play?
Join The Playmakers SEQld for a day of connection, inspiration and practical learning as we explore how schools can create environments where play is not simply something that happens at break time, but is recognised as an important part of children’s learning, wellbeing and development.
Permission to Play brings together educators, school leaders and champions of play to explore the possibilities for embedding meaningful play across the school day.
This conference will challenge us to think differently about the role of play in schools — from play pedagogy and positive risk, to the environments we create, the decisions we make around risk and WH&S, and the culture needed for play to genuinely thrive.
What to expect
Across the day, participants will hear from inspiring speakers, practitioners and play advocates, with opportunities to connect, share ideas and take practical strategies back to their own school communities.
Who is this event for?
This day is designed for educators, teachers, school leaders and champions of play who want to strengthen opportunities for children to play, belong and thrive at school.
Whether your school is already embracing play or you are just beginning the conversation, you’ll leave with fresh thinking, practical ideas and connections with others working towards the same goal.
Wednesday 18 November 2026, 7.30 - 8.45 Optional School Tour
8.45-2.30pm Conference Day.
Optional Extra - Extra session for School Leaders 2.30-3.30
Berrinba East State School, Logan QLD
Come ready to connect, share, inspire and play — and be part of a growing movement rethinking what is possible for play across our schools and communities.
Children thrive. Schools belong. Communities grow.
Co-hosted and Sponsored by The Outsiders Play Advocates and Bush Kindy Australia - catering will be provided for on the day - refreshments and lunch. Bring a drink bottle and Keep Cup for hot drinks.
Agenda
The program will include:
Pre Conference 7.30am – 8.25am Join Berrinba East State School Principal, Steve Kanowski for a tour of the school grounds and explore the school’s Forest Space, Loose Parts Areas, Dig It Creek and Mud Pit as well as indoor play spaces. Conference program 8:30 – 8:45am Arrival and Registration Welcome and networking 8:45 – 10:20am One Vision, Many Opportunities: A Whole-School Approach to Play Discover the Berrinba East State School story and how a shared vision for play connects classroom pedagogy, specialist lessons, outdoor play and learning, play breaks, targeted engagement interventions and Outside School Hours Care. Panel: Principal, classroom and specialist teachers, inclusion teachers and OSHC educators 10:20 – 11:30am Play Pedagogy in Practice: Finding the Balance Join internationally recognised play pedagogy expert Dr Sarah Aiono as she explores the relationship between play and explicit teaching and introduces the award-winning Play-Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT) for coaching and professional growth. 11:30am – 12:00pm Morning Break and Play Exploration Explore play in action across the school. 12:00 – 1:00pm Designing for Play: Environments That Invite Possibility Join Debbie Laporte for a practical exploration of design principles that support engaging, inclusive and adventurous play environments. Co facilitated by the Outsiders Play Advocated and Bush Kindy Australia 1:00 – 1:30pm Lunch and Play Exploration Lunch provided. Explore the school's diverse play environments. 1:30 – 2:30pm Permission to Play: Navigating Risk, Safety and Policy An expert panel exploring workplace health and safety, risk-benefit assessment, risk mitigation and the policies that support adventurous play in schools. Discover how we can move from simply managing risk to enabling safe, meaningful challenge. Exclusive opportunities for school leaders P-BLOT Coaching in Action — Limited Places (maximum 10) 1.30pm – 2.30pm Observe Dr Sarah Aiono conduct a live classroom observation and feedback session with a Berrinba East teacher, demonstrating play pedagogy coaching in practice. Runs alongside the main program; advance registration required. 2.30pm – 3.30pm Beyond the Conference — Leadership and Coaching Conversation An optional post-conference opportunity with Dr Sarah Aiono to explore instructional leadership, coaching and embedding sustainable play pedagogy across schools.
FAQs
- Is there parking onsite?
Yes there is in school front carpark
- Is this really FREE?
Yes absolutely!
- Do I need to bring lunch?
No, catering will be supplied. Bring a keep cup and a drink botle.
- Do I have to be a member of Playmakers to attend?
No
Gallery
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