Our Approach

At Petal and Play Learning, our sessions are lovingly guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and inspired by the beautiful principles of the Reggio Emilia approach. We believe that young children are capable, curious learners, and we nurture this through play, exploration, and connection with nature.

Each session offers a rich, child-led environment where little explorers are free to follow their interests, wonderings, and ideas with support from both their parent or carer and teacher. We encourage gentle guidance, shared discovery, and meaningful connection between children and their grown-ups.

The natural world is our classroom, offering endless opportunities for creativity, learning, and growth. Together, we create a space where families can slow down, connect, and witness the joy of early learning.

Whether your child is at home full-time, attending kindy or pre-kindy, or somewhere in between, Petal and Play is designed to sit beautifully alongside their early learning journey. Through this blend of EYLF guidance and Reggio Emilia inspiration, we create a nurturing space where belonging, being, and becoming truly flourish — not only for children but for their families too. 

Our nature-based sessions are based in the beautiful surrounds of Bibra Lake Reserve - a space full of natural wonder, calm, and connection.

Why Bibra Lake? This special place offers everything we hope for in an outdoor learning environment: shady trees, open grassy areas for free play, winding paths for little explorers, and the magical sights and sounds of local wildlife.

Children will:

• Build confidence as they explore and connect with nature
• Strengthen their sense of wonder and curiosity
• Enjoy rich sensory experiences — from spotting birds and turtles to listening to the wind in the trees
• Learn through play, with stations all set against a peaceful natural backdrop
   

You might spot water birds wading near the lake’s edge, turtles nesting, or native plants in bloom. The lake changes with the seasons: often full in winter, and dry in summer, offering new sights to discover each visit.

There are toilets, ample parking for families, and nearby playgrounds if you’d like to extend your visit before or after the session. In the warmer months, a local coffee van is often nearby - a lovely bonus while your little one explores.

Bibra Lake Reserve is part of Beeliar Boodja, on Noongar Country; land that has been cared for by the Whadjuk people for tens of thousands of years. Families have gathered, told stories, and connected with this place long before us, and we honour that deep cultural and spiritual connection as we learn and play here today.