Hayley Peacock on Playoneering

Hayley Peacock is the founder of Hayley Peacock Education – a centre of excellence for inspiring others to pioneer and innovate in the educational sphere. Its work codifies the signature practices of the research hubs, Little Barn Owls Early Years Group and Atelier 21 Future School – such as Reggio-inspired environments, project based-real world enquiry-based learning and metacognitive classroom practices (for self-reflection, critical thinking and resilience).

Hayley Peacock won Gatwick Diamond ‘Business Person of the Year’ (2024) and was finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the ‘Purpose’ category. Hayley is well known in the education sector globally and last year spoke at the World Education Summit in the ‘cool schools’ category.

Hayley Peacock Education is the brain-child of Playoneering®, an innovative pioneering approach to education from 0-11 years.

In this episode, Hayley Peacock explains Playoneering, her approach to education from birth to 11 that brings together playful rigour, enquiry-based learning and character education. Hayley shares how a study tour to Reggio Emilia changed her thinking, why she sees educators as “problemators” who complicate children’s thinking rather than quizzing them, and how leaders can design systems that protect pedagogy and help keep their staff.

In this episode you’ll:

• Discover what Playoneering is and how it combines playful rigour, enquiry-based learning and character education
• Learn how to read children’s play for their questions, theories, ideas, patterns and struggles
• Understand why self-adjustment may be one of the most powerful skills we can help young children develop
• Explore how quality interactions can extend children’s thinking, rather than interrupting a moment of wonder with closed questions
• Find out how leaders can design systems that protect pedagogy, support educators and reduce staff turnover

Watch this episode to hear how Hayley has built on the Reggio Emilia legacy to create an approach that any educator can pick up and use.

Episode Links:

• Hayley Peacock Education: https://hayleypeacockeducation.co.uk/