Petal and Play is designed for children aged 18 months to 5 years, supporting gentle, play-based school readiness in nature. The activities are open‑ended and flexible, so each child can join in at their own level of curiosity and ability.
All children are welcome - you know your child best. We have had both younger and older children attend our sessions. Feel free to send me a message if youre unsure!
Yes! Here’s how it works:
Petal and Play is held outdoors in nature, with Reggio Emilia inspired stations that spark curiosity through play. We gently weave in school readiness skills like literacy and numeracy without pressure, using natural and eco-friendly materials. More than a class, it’s a warm community where children (and parents) can explore, connect and learn at their own pace.
Petal and Play is a parent‑accompanied program. Parent involvement is gentle and flexible. Activities are set up so little ones can explore at their own pace, while parents are welcome to join in or simply observe. I will be there to guide the activities, spark curiosity and support both children and parents, so you can relax and enjoy the experience together.
We recommend bringing a hat, water bottle, a small snack and clothes that can get a little messy. Painting and water play is common at our sessions! Sessions are outdoors, so dressing for the weather helps make the experience comfortable for both children and parents. Gumboots and rain jackets are especially welcome, if we are expecting some rain!
No! Parents, grandparents, and carers are all welcome to come along. We just ask that the focus stays on supporting your little one’s play and learning, and that adults help keep the group calm and connected so everyone can enjoy the session.
At Petal and Play, materials are chosen to spark curiosity and creativity. Children will explore low tox, sustainable and upcycled treasures (where possible) that inspire open ended play. Our paints and playdough are coloured with natural ingredients and we try to use very little plastic, favouring natural textures and real world objects that nurture imagination.
We understand that parents and carers may like to capture special moments during Petal and Play sessions. We also love seeing your stories and posts on Instagram.
If you choose to take photos or videos during a session, we kindly ask that you:
• Only photograph or film your own child
• Be mindful and respectful of the privacy of other families by avoiding capturing other children
• Focus on enjoying the moment with your child and soaking up the joy of nature play
Please note: Petal and Play will never reshare content that shows children’s faces on our social media.
Some activities, such as small world play, may include small items. If you're bringing younger siblings or children who mouth items, please supervise them closely during the session.
I provide a morning tea of fruit and crackers, so that is a big edible component...
Some session activities may include edible components like rice or lentil for sensory bases, fruit for juicing (hello, fine motor fun!) or pasta for threading bracelets. We aim for these items to be sourced through a local Feed It Forward or Community Pantry group. This is produce that’s still good but can no longer be sold in supermarkets.
While any food-based elements or playdough used are non-toxic or technically edible, I don’t recommend a full-on feast!
We don't use any products containing nuts, dairy, eggs or soy. However, some products we use have *may contain traces of* on their labels. If your child has allergies, please let us know when booking.
Yes! Petal and Play is a small, gentle program that welcomes all children. As a sole educator, I do my best to create an inclusive, supportive environment. If your child has specific needs and you think I can assist, please get in touch before the session - I’d love to work with you to help your child feel safe, included and confident to explore.
All sessions are held at Bibra Lake Reserve (City of Cockburn). This beautiful natural space allows children to connect with the environment and explore at their own pace.
Public toilets are available on site. We are out in nature - so I suggest bringing some mozzie repellent and keeping an eye out for our ant friends that sometimes like to visit.
We believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, only different opportunities for play! Sessions will still go ahead in the rain, although some activities may vary depending on the conditions. We recommend dressing appropriately for wet weather, including gumboots and rain jackets.
If rain is forecast, our session location will move slightly, just a 1-minute walk from our usual spot, where we’ll have access to shelter and picnic tables to keep belongings dry and take breaks from the weather if needed.
In cases of extreme weather, such as storms, strong winds, or high fire danger, families will be notified and sessions will be rescheduled if necessary - no later than 2 hours prior to the session start time.
At Petal and Play, we respect your family’s privacy. We do not take or share photos of children’s faces.
From time to time, we may take photographs or short videos that capture the spirit of our sessions - focusing on hands, feet, backs of heads, nature play setups, or artwork. These may be used on our website, social media, or promotional materials to help share what we do.
If you have any concerns or prefer that no images of your child (even from behind) are taken, please let us know - we’re always happy to respect your wishes.
Yes - Petal and Play operates with public liability insurance, and we conduct site-specific risk assessments. Our risk assessments consider local features, including the presence of native wildlife (such as snakes or turtles), pesky insects (hello ants!), proximity to water, and other environmental factors.
Petal and Play is led by Cassie, a fully registered teacher with a Working With Children Check, First Aid and extensive teaching experience. Cassie also has worked at a large Science centre, travelling across WA to spread Science joy!