Bedrock #3 November 2026

Welcome to Bedrock, the IEU’s magazine for staff in early childhood education and care. 

In this edition, discover the importance of pretend play for children’s mental health and wellbeing, and how teachers and educators can support and encourage their imaginative abilities. 

We investigate why a stable workforce is crucial to providing high-quality early childhood education – and that requires better pay and conditions. 

This edition also introduces IEU member Felicity Barclay, who has drawn on her decades-long experience as a preschool director to write a guide to teach children how to be patient. 

Other great reads in this edition include professional learning opportunities at the IEU environment conference at Taronga Zoo and the role of teachers and educators in supporting transitions to school. 

We hope you enjoy this edition of Bedrock and find it valuable for your professional practice. 

Please share this email with your colleagues and invite them to join the IEU. We are always stronger together.

Carol Matthews, Secretary
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch

You can browse through a selection of highlights below, read the full edition or download a PDF to read the full edition.



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Bedrock is the early childhood magazine of the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch.

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