Engaging Children in Play

The Engaging Children in Play series aims to support early childhood educators in creating a stimulating environment by using what is already available in the setting. Being resourceful and creative with what you have also means you don not need to spend a fortune to create an engaging learning environment. This series is an ideal resource for students undertaking studies in early childhood, such as the Certificate III or Diploma of Children’s services.

Ages: 2-5 years

About the Authors

Nicola Scade

Nicola Scade is an Early Years and Key Stage 1 Leader and Assistant Head in the United Kingdom. She is an ‘Outstanding’ early years teacher who was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

Nicole Halton

Nicole Halton – Co-founder/director of Inspired EC and educational consultant
Nicole Halton has been a proud member and advocate of the early childhood profession for over 13 years. Nicole is particularly passionate about the provision of quality early childhood services and children having the right to a childhood filled with risk, adventure and fun. 

From 2005 to 2012, Nicole was the director of Woodrising Community Preschool and Child Care Centre, a service that has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to natural play environments and authentic experiences for children. During her leadership the centre was one of the first services to be assessed under the National Quality Standards and achieved the rating of 'Exceeding'.  

In 2007 Nicole and her business partner Natashja Treveton spent countless hours discussing the need for inspiring professional development in their local area and, as a result, founded their educational training and consultancy business, Inspired EC. Their passion and enthusiasm in their beliefs have allowed the company as well as the services they offer to develop and expand and to ‘inspire’ thousands of educators Australia wide.