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Big school, big insights:
Why play is the brain’s best preparation for school
This article is part of our new ‘Big School, Big Insights’ series, created to support families and share expert perspectives on child development and school readiness. The series follows our recent Prep webinar for the 2026 intake, where we heard from leading voices in education and wellbeing, including Robyn Monro Miller, CEO of Play Australia.
Starting school is a milestone filled with excitement and sometimes anxiety. For children, the shift from early learning or home to a structured classroom environment can feel overwhelming. But there is one powerful tool that makes this transition smoother: play.
The science behind play
As Robyn Monro Miller, CEO of Play Australia, explained during our recent Prep webinar, play is not just fun. It is a biological imperative. Neuroscience research shows that just 30 minutes of unstructured play can reconfigure a third of the neurons in a child’s brain.
These neurons are responsible for:
Executive function: planning, problem-solving and self-control
Motor control: coordination and physical confidence
Motivation and processing: staying engaged and learning effectively
Information retention: remembering what they learn
When children play, their brains release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which boost mood and reduce stress. These “feel-good” chemicals dilute cortisol, the stress hormone, helping children feel calm and ready to learn.
Why play matters for school readiness
Play builds the skills children need to thrive in a classroom:
Confidence: mastering small challenges through play makes big transitions less daunting.
Social skills: negotiating rules, taking turns and resolving conflicts during play prepares children for peer interactions.
Physical development: climbing, swinging and running strengthen muscles needed for sitting still and writing.
Practical tips for families
Robyn shared simple ways to make play part of your Prep preparation:
Practice routines playfully: pack a lunchbox and have a picnic, try on uniforms during dress-up games.
Explore school spaces: visit playgrounds so your child feels comfortable navigating equipment.
Encourage sensory play: activities like building, painting and imaginative games stimulate brain pathways for learning.
Play at OSHC
Our OSHC programs embed play into every session before school, after school and during holidays. From group games to creative projects, we create environments where children feel safe, confident and connected.
Join our next Webinar: Join our next Prep webinar on Tuesday 21 January, 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm AEDT. Reserve your spot here.