PERSPECTIVES & THEORIES IN OSHC

Hughes - Taxonomy of Play Types

Bob Hughes’ Taxonomy of Play Types gives OSHC educators a shared, practical language for understanding the many ways children play—especially in the energetic, social, “big feelings” space of before/after school care. In this module, you’ll learn the play types in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Bob Hughes” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to use the taxonomy on shift, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring play-based practice in a real service, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday practice.
Format

Online
Course

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$
49

About the module

Play is the heart of OSHC—but it’s often misunderstood. What looks like “chaos” may be children experimenting with power, risk, belonging, humour, rules, and identity. Hughes’ Taxonomy helps educators see play with more nuance and confidence, so we can respond in ways that protect safety without flattening children’s agency and creativity.

This module supports educators to use the taxonomy as a practical lens for:
  • noticing the different purposes children’s play can serve
  • reducing unnecessary conflict by understanding play cues and play intent
  • improving the way we set up environments (spaces, materials, supervision positions)
  • strengthening observation and documentation with more accurate language
  • mentoring teams to support play rather than stopping it by default

Understand play types

A clear introduction to Hughes’ play types—what they mean, why they matter, and how they show up in OSHC.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the taxonomy to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring play-based practice.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works 

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Bob Hughes + What is the Taxonomy of Play Types?
    A practical overview of the taxonomy and what it helps educators notice in OSHC.
  • “Let’s hear from Bob Hughes”
    A short creative narrative where “Bob” speaks to using the taxonomy in an OSHC setting (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the taxonomy
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - recognise play types in the moment
    - support play safely without shutting it down
    - adjust spaces/materials/supervision positions
    - use shared language in team communication
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - what strong play-based practice looks like in OSHC
    - how an Educational Leader mentors educators to interpret play (not just manage behaviour)
    - how to support “big” play (rough-and-tumble, chase, power play) with safety and dignity
    - what to do when play escalates or excludes others
  • OSHC case study: play types in action
    A realistic scenario that helps educators practise identifying play types, interpreting what’s happening, and choosing supportive responses—without over-controlling.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge common assumptions (e.g., “loud play = bad play”) and strengthen more intentional, child-centred responses.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Identify and name different play types using shared language 
  • Respond to play with more confidence—supporting safety and agency
  • Reduce unnecessary behaviour “battles” by understanding play intent and cues
  • Improve programming and environment set-up to invite richer play
  • Strengthen observations and documentation with more accurate interpretation 
  • Support inclusion by noticing when play invites others in—or pushes them out

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators wanting practical ways to interpret and support play
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring teams to build strong, consistent play-based practice across the service
If you want educators to support play (not shut it down), this module will help.

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.