The Play-Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT)

A Practical Tool for Strengthening Learning Through Play

The P-BLOT is an observation and coaching tool designed to raise the quality and frequency of learning through play in classrooms. Built on research and practice-based coaching principles, it helps schools build teacher confidence, reflect on practice, and strengthen play pedagogy.

Why the P-BLOT?

Teachers know play is powerful—but balancing curriculum demands, evidencing learning, and embedding high-quality play practice can be challenging.

The P-BLOT helps by:

Making teaching practice visible
Identifying strengths and next steps
Supporting targeted professional learning
Protecting the role of play in busy, diverse classrooms

Talk With Us About Your School’s Needs

How It Works

ObserveA trained coach or observer uses the P-BLOT to document how play is being facilitated and supported in your setting.

ReflectTeachers and leaders engage in reflective conversations based on the observation—celebrating strengths and identifying priorities for growth.

GrowThe data collected through the P-BLOT feeds directly into tailored professional learning pathways—ensuring support is responsive and relevant.

Talk With Us About Your School’s Needs

What Makes the P-BLOT Different?

Flexible - adaptable to any student year level or cultural context

Grounded in research and practice-based coaching

Strengths-based - focused on what's working, as well as what's next

Creates a shared language around quality play pedagogy

Trusted by Schools and Educators Across Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

“This is such an exciting opportunity to coach teachers for improvement and to influence the strategic direction of the school - that play is the pedagogical way to go!"

Ben Jones, Teacher, New Zealand

“I just want to let you know the huge impact the P-BLOT has had at our school already. As you know, we have had 'fence sitting' and confusion with play beyond year 3. Having our DP attend the PLD with me meant everything clicked for her - and we had a staff meeting yesterday signaling the use of P-BLOT observations to guide the implementation of learning through play beyond year 3. Thanks to the quantifiable nature of the P-BLOT we can move forward with our teachers."

Principal, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

"The P-BLOT allows me to work with educators to recognize their strengths and needs, set goals, and focus on doable actions to support the implementation of effective play-based learning practices. This is complex work! I am grateful to have found this tool and community and I am excited to continue learning alongside Dr. Sarah, the Longworth team, and our current group of play-responsive educators!"

Laura Adrian, Early Learning Facilitator, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, Moose Jaw, SK

"I am SO excited that you will be returning to Moose Jaw! I hope it is an event that allows me to fill my vehicle with fellow teachers and come learn from you again. The workshop in Moose Jaw a few weeks ago was transformative for me and I would love to continue learning from you!"

Participant, Prairie South School District, SK

"Going deeper into play pedagogy with the P-BLOT has allowed me to explore ways to incorporate rich, meaningful play in my classroom (and outside my classroom!). The biggest benefit has been seeing students more fully engaged in learning and demonstrating skills outside of just those I am explicitly teaching."

Year 2 Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia

"Longworth Education played a crucial role in this journey by adapting their Play-Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT) to suit the unique realities of the communities we serve. Sarah and her team invested significant time and effort into contextualizing the tool, ensuring it was culturally relevant and practical for our ground-level implementation. The adapted P-BLOT has become an essential component of our programme, helping us measure the effectiveness of play-based learning and track meaningful outcomes for the children and educators we work with."

Shweta Chari, Co-Founder – CEO | Ashoka Fellow, OpenTree Foundation, India

Want to explore how
the P-BLOT supports reflection on play practice?

Download our Teacher Self-Reflection Tool—a practical resource designed in teacher-friendly language to help you reflect on your own learning through play practice.

It offers insight into the key elements of quality play pedagogy without the formal training required to use the full P-BLOT.

Download the Teacher Self-Reflection Tool

Integrating the
P-BLOT into Your Professional Learning

The P-BLOT isn’t a stand-alone checklist — it’s part of a professional learning journey.
Longworth Education uses the P-BLOT to shape targeted coaching, mentoring, and workshops that meet your team’s needs and context.

Explore our Professional Services

Ready to Start?

Start a conversation about how the P-BLOT can support your team.

Build teacher capability
Strengthen play pedagogy
Ensure evidence-informed practice across your school

Talk With Us About Your School’s Needs

Professional Services

Case Studies

Longworth Education Ltd
A social enterprise supporting evidence-based teaching practice
New Zealand, Australia and Canada
info@longwortheducation.com
+64 22 417 1449

The Play-Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT)

The P-BLOT is an observation and coaching tool designed to raise the quality and frequency of learning through play in classrooms. Built on research and practice-based coaching principles, it helps schools build teacher confidence, reflect on practice, and strengthen play pedagogy.

Why the P-BLOT?

How It Works

What Makes the P-BLOT Different?

Trusted by Schools and Educators Across Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond

Matthew Turner

Sarah Evans

Ben Jones, Teacher, New Zealand

Principal, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Laura Adrian, Early Learning Facilitator, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, Moose Jaw, SK

Participant, Prairie South School District, SK

Year 2 Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia

Shweta Chari, Co-Founder – CEO | Ashoka Fellow, OpenTree Foundation, India

Want to explore how the P-BLOT supports reflection on play practice?

Integrating the P-BLOT into Your Professional Learning

Ready to Start?

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Want to explore how
the P-BLOT supports reflection on play practice?

Integrating the
P-BLOT into Your Professional Learning