Outdoor Play in Winter: Outdoor Learning Doesn’t Stop When the Temperature Drops As the weather cools down, it’s natural for families to wonder whether children should still be playing outside. At Tillys, we strongly believe that outdoor play is just as important in winter as it is in the warmer months. With the right clothing…
How Children Learn Through Everyday Routines In early childhood, learning doesn’t just happen during planned activities or group times — it happens all day, every day, through simple routines and everyday tasks. From washing hands to packing away toys, routines play a powerful role in supporting children’s learning, confidence and independence. At Tillys, we intentionally…
What Are The EYLF and MTOP? If you have a child in early learning or school-age care, you may hear educators talk about the EYLF or MTOP. These may sound like complex educational terms, but at their heart, they are simply frameworks that guide how children are supported to learn, grow and develop in education…
Risky Play: Why It Matters for Children’s Development At Tillys, we understand that play is much more than just fun — it’s how children learn, explore, and develop crucial life skills. One type of play that is often misunderstood but incredibly important is risky play. What is Risky Play? Risky play is the kind of…
Physical Activity in the Early Years: Building Strong Foundations Physical activity plays a vital role in children’s health, development and wellbeing — especially in the early years. During this time, children develop essential movement skills, confidence and a love for being active that can last a lifetime. At Tillys Play & Development Centres, we recognise…
Early Childhood Nutrition Early childhood nutrition plays a vital role in supporting children’s growth, development and lifelong health. The early years are a critical time to build strong foundations, helping children develop positive relationships with food that can last well beyond their time in early learning. Building a Strong Foundation From the Start Children’s bodies…
Cooks Meetings – Did You Know? Did you know that behind every nutritious, delicious meal served at Tillys Play & Development Centres is a team of passionate, highly skilled cooks who regularly come together to share knowledge, ideas and best practice? Throughout the year, Tillys holds regular cooks meetings, bringing our centre cooks and chefs…
Understanding Developmental Milestones (0–5 Years) The early years of a child’s life are a time of remarkable growth and change. From a baby’s first smile to a preschooler’s growing independence, children develop a wide range of skills between birth and five years. These changes are often referred to as developmental milestones. At Tillys, we support…
Why Social Play Matters: Building Friendships at Tillys From the earliest years of life, children are learning how to connect with others. Being social plays a vital role in early childhood development, helping children build friendships, understand emotions and develop the skills they need to form positive relationships throughout life. At Tillys, we recognise that…
Early Childhood Brain Development The early years of a child’s life are a time of incredible growth and development — especially when it comes to the brain. In fact, the majority of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years, making early childhood a crucial period for learning, connection and wellbeing. Why Early…