Certificate in Play-Based Well-being Education

Four webinars
6 - 8 AITSL-Aligned PD hours

Why this matters

Teachers everywhere are stretched thin. Workloads are heavy, expectations keep rising, and traditional Professional Development often leaves educators feeling drained, disengaged and not inspired.

The School of Play Academy is here to change that. Our Certificate in Play-Based Well-being Education is a one-of-a-kind professional learning experience that is practical, energising, and transformative. It equips educators and leaders across the globe with the skills, confidence, and resources to embed play as a pathway to better teaching, stronger relationships, improved mental health and well-being and the driving factor behind creating positive team cultures.

This program is AITSL-aligned and counts toward accredited professional development hours in all Australian states whilst also being internationally recognised.

What you’ll gain

Recognised Professional Development hours
6 - 8 AITSL-aligned hours (globally recognised).

Practical strategies
Play-based activities you can use in class the very next day.

Personal well-being
Tools to reduce stress, recharge, and rediscover your joy for teaching.Our FunShops are designed to get you moving, stretching your body and mindset.  

Positive Reflection and Gratitude
Every FunShop session includes moments of reflection to celebrate gratitude and positive experiences. This is where we recognise and appreciate the value of ourselves and others.  

Leadership & confidence
‍Grow as a leader/teacher who champions play-based well-being and connection in your school and within your teams.

Backed by research

The School of Play Academy is grounded in research conducted in partnership with La Trobe University.
A 12-month study found that schools using play-based well-being programs experienced:

38%

increase in teacher-reported student engagement

31%

increase in teacher-reported student engagement

27%

growth in classroom connection and collaboration

These findings demonstrate that intentional play isn’t a break from learning, it’s the spark that fuels it.

Critical Improvements from The School of Play Leadership Program

22% increase in vitality among secondary school leaders, showing that students felt more energised and motivated after the program.

18% improvement in leadership skills, with students demonstrating better problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

19% boost in autonomy for primary school leaders, indicating they felt more in control and confident in their leadership roles.

16% increase in social connectedness, where leaders felt more connected to their peers, improving teamwork and collaboration.

Evidence of learning

To make your learning stick (and meet PD requirements),
you’ll complete four short, practical evidence tasks:

Reflect on your learning.

Trial a playful classroom activity.

Apply one well-being strategy for yourself.

Create and commit to your Play Pledge Action Plan.

Each task takes only 10-15 minutes and doubles as evidence for your professional portfolio.

The Well-being benefits of Play

For Teachers:

Reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Strengthen relationships with students and colleagues.
Boost energy, creativity, and motivation.

For Students:

Build confidence, voice, and resilience.
Improve emotional regulation and coping skills.
Create safer, more connected, and joyful classrooms.

What you’ll receive

When you enrol, you’ll get:

Four interactive webinars (live + recordings).
6–8 AITSL-aligned PD hours you can self-log.
A digital certificate to add to your professional portfolio.
An evidence workbook & templates to guide your reflections.
A practical resource pack filled with ready-to-use activities.
12 months access to The School of Plays online learning courses (60 courses)

Meet your facilitators: Dale & Paul

This certificate is delivered by internationally recognised play experts and co-founders of The School of Play, Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in education, leadership, and well-being.

Dale Sidebottom

Global play consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of The School of Play. Dale has delivered workshops in 25+ countries, authored All Work No Play, 365 Days of Play and The Playful Astronaut. Dale is known for his infectious energy and ability to turn learning into a joyful connection experience.

Paul Campbell

Educator, Assistant Principal, and well-being leader with over two decades of experience. Paul specialises in positive education, leadership, and student and staff well-being. He’s also worked in elite sport, supporting professional athletes at Collingwood Football Club and is the co-author of the book 365 Days of Play.

Together, Dale and Paul are redefining professional learning, making it fun,
meaningful, and transformative.

Evidence & Outcomes

This is not just another “tick-the-box” PD. Research and experience show thatplay-based professional learning leads to:

Increased teacher confidence and resilience.

More engaged, connected classrooms and teams.

Improved staff morale and collaboration.

Reduced stress and greater overall well-being.

School leaders can be confident their investment produces measurable impact, in both classrooms and staffrooms.

Where this can lead

Your journey doesn’t stop here.

Continue with our Play Academy Micro-Courses to deepen specific skills.
Advance to the Certificate in Play-Based Leadership to build on your success.

Each course is designed to support lifelong growth and a culture of play-based leadership in education.

Cost-effective, flexible learning

Attend live or on replay, learn at your pace, from anywhere in the world.

Individual enrolment: $295 AUD (full certificate).

Earn recognised Professional Development hours that align with AITSL Professional Standards.

Whole-school licences available for affordable team access (contact us for more info).

Ready to join?

For Teachers – Enroll today and earn your Certificate in Play-Based Well-being Education. Learn in your own time, from anywhere in the world.

Enroll Now

For Schools/Principals – Equip your staff and leadership teams with accredited, research-backed PD that transforms classrooms and team culture.

Enroll Now

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to attend the webinars live?

No. All webinars are recorded. You can complete the course at your own pace and still earn your certificate.

How do I log my PD hours?

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How many hours will I earn?

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What kind of “evidence” do I need to submit?

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How do I submit my evidence?

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When will I receive my certificate?

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Can my whole school join?

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Is this recognised in my state?

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Do I need any special equipment?

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What if I need support?

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