Play Pedagogy Refresher Webinar

Reconnecting with the principles that make play pedagogy thrive in challenging education climates.

Schools don't usually abandon play pedagogy overnight.

Instead, it changes gradually.

New staff join the team. Daily pressures increase. Curriculum expectations evolve. Systems become busier. Little by little, practices that once felt purposeful can become routine, inconsistent or harder to sustain.

Before long, educators find themselves wondering:

"Are we still doing this as well as we once were?"

If that question feels familiar, you're certainly not alone.

This two-hour online webinar has been designed specifically for schools that have already embraced play pedagogy and want to reconnect with the thinking, principles and practices that underpin high-quality implementation.

It is also an ideal introduction for teachers who are new to a school where play pedagogy is already well established, helping them understand not only what their colleagues do, but why they do it.

Rather than introducing a new programme or asking schools to begin again, this webinar provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and recalibrate.

Together, we'll revisit the foundations that support responsive, evidence-informed play pedagogy while considering how those foundations can be protected within today's increasingly demanding educational landscape.

During this webinar we'll revisit:

• the purpose and principles that underpin high-quality play pedagogy

• what current research continues to tell us about children's learning, development and wellbeing

• the role of the teacher within play-based learning environments

• recognising meaningful learning through observation and documentation

• balancing curriculum expectations with child-led, developmentally responsive practice

• common implementation challenges schools face after the initial excitement has passed

• practical strategies for maintaining consistency across teams, including supporting new staff

• simple ways to refresh classroom environments and teaching practices without starting from scratch.

Live Q&A with Dr Sarah Aiono

The final part of the webinar will be dedicated to an open question and answer session.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions, challenges and examples from practice. Whether you're wondering how to support hesitant colleagues, maintain consistency across teaching teams, navigate increasing curriculum demands or simply sense that your practice has drifted over time, this is an opportunity to discuss your context directly with Dr Sarah Aiono.

Who is this webinar for?

This webinar is ideal for:

• schools already implementing play pedagogy

• teachers new to an established play pedagogy school

• school leaders supporting consistent implementation across teams

• curriculum leaders and in-school coaches

• educators wanting to reconnect with the "why" behind their practice.

Webinar Details

Date: Thursday 27 August 2026

Time: 3.30pm–5.30pm (NZST)

Format: Live online via Zoom

Presenter: Dr Sarah Aiono

Sometimes the best next step isn't learning something new.

Sometimes it's reconnecting with what first inspired the journey.

Join us for a practical and encouraging afternoon designed to strengthen confidence, refresh thinking and help your school continue building a responsive, high-quality play pedagogy that can flourish for years to come.