The Developmental Science of Risky Play – Why Challenge, Risk and Outdoor Exploration Matter in the Early Years
The word “risk” tends to make parents uneasy, and understandably so. But in the context of early childhood development, risk is not the opposite of safety. It is, in fact, a necessary ingredient in children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. A substantial body of research now supports what experienced early childhood educators have long understood: children who are given the opportunity to engage with managed risk in play develop more robustly across a range of developmental domains than those whose play is consistently risk-free. Here’s what the science says, and how Papilio approaches it in practice.
From Story to Learning: Papilio Celebrates National Simultaneous Storytime 2026
At Papilio, we know that the most powerful learning experiences don’t happen by accident. They’re crafted, intentionally, thoughtfully, by educators who understand what children need. National Simultaneous Storytime is one of those moments: a national event with deep educational purpose, and an opportunity for early childhood educators to do what they do best.
National Reconciliation Week 2026 – First Nations Learning, Country, and the Early Years
National Reconciliation Week, held each year from 27 May to 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect on what reconciliation requires of each of us. The 2026 theme, All In, is a call to move beyond good intentions and commit to meaningful action, every day. In early childhood education, that action begins with what we choose to teach, how we choose to teach it, and whose knowledge we recognise as worthy of a child’s earliest learning.
What Learning Really Looks Like for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Ask a child what they did at childcare today and the answer is almost always some variation of “played.” Which is, to be fair, entirely accurate, and also a significant understatement.
What happens in a quality early learning environment isn’t separate from play. It is play, shaped by educators who understand the developmental science behind every activity they design, every question they ask, and every moment they choose to step back and let a child work something out for themselves.
When Should I Enrol My Child in Childcare?
Whether you’re newly pregnant, preparing to return to work, or simply starting to explore your options, the question of when to enrol your child in childcare tends to arise earlier than most families anticipate. The straightforward answer is: sooner than you might expect. This guide walks you through when to begin, how waitlists work, what to look for on a centre tour, and how to prepare for your child’s first day.
Child Development Milestones: What to Expect from Birth to School Age
The early years of a child’s life are extraordinary. In just five years, a newborn becomes a curious, communicative, socially aware little person, ready to take on the world of school and everything beyond it.
Who looks after your child? The professional excellence behind every Papilio room
Choosing a premium early learning environment means asking premium questions. Not just “is it nice?” or “is it convenient?”, but “who, specifically, is responsible for my child’s development, and what do they know?”
Exploring the Nawi: Culture, Storytelling and the Art of Meaningful Learning
Some of the most profound learning happens not in formal instruction, but in a quiet moment of play, when a child picks up a piece of bark, places a small figure inside, and begins to tell a story.
This month at Papilio Early Learning, children have been exploring the concept of the Nawi, a traditional Aboriginal canoe from the Sydney language region, as part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supported by resources from Wandana Aboriginal Education.
A Season of Nourishment: Exploring Our Autumn Menu at Papilio Early Learning
As the air turns crisp and the days begin to slow, autumn invites a sense of warmth, comfort, and connection.
At Papilio Early Learning, this seasonal shift is reflected in the meals we share with children each day, thoughtfully prepared dishes that nourish growing bodies, spark curiosity, and bring a sense of calm to busy little routines.
How Early Friendships Build Resilience in the Preschool Years
There is something beautiful about watching young children form friendships.
The tentative approach. The negotiation over who gets to be the “shop keeper.” The repair after a disagreement. The way they circle back the next day as if nothing happened.
To adults, it may look like simple play. But in those small, everyday interactions, children are building resilience. And resilience – in the early years – grows in relationship.