Glen Education Caulfield South
Balancing physical safety with the need for risky play
By Jasanpreet Kaur, Early Childhood Teacher
At Glen Education Caulfield South Kindergarten, one of our curriculum goals is to provide an environment where children feel confident to engage in physical play, can challenge themselves and take measured risks.
As per our commitment to creating rich, engaging environments that support children’s holistic development. Over the past term, we’ve thoughtfully transformed our outdoor space to better support physical growth, confidence-building, and meaningful connections with the community. These changes are part of our broader sustainability initiative, which now includes a strong focus on social sustainability—helping children develop respectful relationships, a sense of belonging, and active citizenship.
One of the most exciting additions to our outdoor area has been the introduction of balancing beams and a dynamic obstacle course. These elements encourage children to challenge themselves physically while building coordination, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The beams and obstacles are designed to be open-ended, allowing children to use them in imaginative ways where children experiment and take risks. Educators support this play by encouraging safe risk-taking and helping children assess their own capabilities, fostering independence and self-awareness.
To extend these experiences beyond our kindergarten space, we’ve begun regular excursions to Princes Park. These outings have quickly become a highlight of our weekly program. At the park, children participate in relay races, running games, and group sports that promote teamwork, turn-taking, and physical wellbeing. Activities like an obstacle course or racing from tree to tree offer opportunities for children to collaborate, cheer each other on, and celebrate shared success. These moments of joy and connection are powerful in building social bonds and a sense of community.
By embracing risky play within safe boundaries, we empower children to become capable, confident learners who understand their bodies, trust their instincts, and care for their community. It’s not just about play - it’s about preparing children for life.
