Decoding Thriving Kids: Understanding Childcare Support and Inclusion

Ever wondered what actually happens during play-based learning at childcare? And how is it different to what our kids do at home or the playground? In this episode of Between Us Mums, host Anika sits down with Nadia Wilson-Ali, an early childhood education leader, researcher, mum, and Director of Education and Quality at Nido Early School. Nadia unpacks the science and structure behind early childhood play, explaining how intentional environments transform simple activities—like building block towers, blowing bubbles, or writing classroom labels—into crucial foundation skills for literacy, numeracy, and emotional regulation. Discover how different educational philosophies like Reggio Emilia foster curious minds, and learn practical strategies parents can use at home, from using the 10-second pause rule to empowering kids through everyday tasks. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that redefines how we view play, learning, and early childhood development.

The incident report doesn't have to be a source of dread for parents. This episode features Emma Rattenbury, a seasoned early childhood teacher and registered play therapist, who provides a refreshing and empathetic look at "tricky" behaviors in childcare settings. Emma dismantles the shame often associated with biting, hitting, or pushing, explaining these actions as developmental milestones or expressions of unmet needs rather than signs of a 'bad' child. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why these incidents occur, the importance of educator-parent collaboration, and how to navigate the complex emotions of guilt and protection. With professional grace and practical advice, Emma encourages parents to view these moments with curiosity rather than judgment, offering a roadmap for supporting children through their big emotions.

In this episode, we tackle the high-stakes dilemma of school readiness with guest Jacqui, a highly experienced prep teacher and founder of Ready Wrens. With nearly a decade of experience in Melbourne classrooms, Jacqui specialises in bridging the gap between kindergarten and the first year of school. This episode moves beyond the "ABCs and 123s" to focus on the true markers of readiness: emotional regulation and social confidence. Jacqui offers practical advice on navigating professional recommendations, managing 'older child' concerns, and trusting your parental gut. This conversation provides the expert scaffolding parents need to make the best decision for their unique family situation.

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the distressing reality of safety incidents and abuse within Australian childcare settings. Our guest is Kristi McVee, a former police detective with over a decade of experience investigating child abuse and a leading child safety educator. Kristi provides expert insights into why these incidents often go undetected, explaining the sophisticated grooming tactics used by offenders to manipulate both children and adults. The conversation covers essential red flags for parents and educators, such as boundary-pushing and inappropriate initiation of physical contact, while offering practical advice on fostering bodily autonomy in children. Listeners will learn how to vet centres effectively and the critical steps to take if they suspect a child is at risk.

You've seen the NQS badge on the fence - but do you actually know what it means? In this episode, Anika and Kate sit down with Elise Disher, former educator, former centre director, and now an in-demand early childhood consultant, to finally decode the National Quality Standard in plain English. Elise reveals why a "Meeting" rating isn't something to fear, what a "Working Towards" really signals, and why an "Exceeding" badge is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. She also shares the three quality areas every parent should focus on when touring a centre, and why your gut feeling on the day matters more than any rating on a website. Practical, refreshingly honest, and packed with insider knowledge - this episode will completely change how you read an NQS rating.