Play School (Australian TV series) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Play School
Play School logo (since 2011)
Genre	Children's television
Created by	Joy Whitby
Written by	Henrietta Clark
Presented by	See Presenters
Theme music composer	Richard Connolly (lyrics by Rosemary Milne)
Opening theme	"There's a Bear in There"
Ending theme	"There's a Bear in There" (instrumental)
Country of origin	Australia
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	49
No. of episodes	4,516 (approx.)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Claire Henderson Henrietta Clark John Fox Virginia Lumsden Jan Stradling Allan Kendall
Producer(s)	Allan Kendall Henrietta Clark Ros Lawson John Fox Tracey Ellison Wendy Gray Sophie Emtage Sarah Dabro Byron Hall Natalie Martin
Production location(s)	Australian Broadcasting Corporation Studios
Running time	25–30 minutes
Production company(s)	Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1966–present)
Release
Original network	ABC (Mornings: 18 July 1966 – 29 April 2011) (Afternoons: 1967 – 31 January 2014) ABC2 (Mornings: 2005–2011) (Afternoons: 2005–2011) ABC Kids (Early Mornings: 5 May 2014–29 June 2018) (Mornings: 2 May 2011–present) (Afternoons: 2 May 2011–present)
Picture format	4:3 (1966–2003) (2004–present)
Audio format	Stereo
Original release	18 July 1966 (1966-07-18) – present

Play School is a super popular Australian TV show for kids. It's made by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). This show is the longest-running children's TV show in Australia! It's also the second longest-running kids' show in the whole world, after the British show Blue Peter.

Lots of young children watch Play School. About 80% of kids under six watch it at least once a week. You can catch it on ABC Kids several times a day, every weekday and on weekends.

How the Show Works

Play School is full of fun activities, songs, and games. Two presenters lead the show, often switching between different parts. Each day, they check the calendar to see what day it is. They also read a story and look through special windows.

For many years, the show used a flower-shaped clock. The windows used to look like the ones from the British version of the show. In 1987, for its 21st birthday, Play School got a small update. The set and opening titles changed a bit. The windows also changed, but people didn't like them as much. So, they went back to the old window style by 1988.

In 2000, the show had a big makeover! The old clocks and windows were replaced with new designs. The main clock became the "Play School Clock." Later, it changed to the "Hickory Dickory Clock" and then the "Train Clock." The windows also got a new look. They spun around, and the camera would zoom into the chosen window to show a pre-recorded video.

Weekly Themes

Every week on Play School has a special theme. The presenters do activities and tell stories related to that theme. Some past themes include Dinosaurs, Zoo Animals, Food, and Road Safety. These themes help kids learn about different topics in a fun way.

Music and Songs

Music is a big part of Play School. The show has always had a musical director who plays live music for the presenters. This makes the songs and activities even more lively!

Pianists

Many talented pianists have played music for Play School over the years. One well-known pianist was Warren Carr, who worked on the show for more than 20 years. Here are some of the pianists who have been part of the show:

• Bill Antman (1966–1972)
• Judy Bailey (1970s–1990)
• Penny Biggins (1991–1994)
• Warren Carr (1972–1993)
• Peter J Casey (1996–2004)
• Ron Creager (1998)
• Peter Dasent (2000–current)
• Rob Eastwood (2000)
• Max Lambert (1991–1999, 2004)
• Paul McDermott (1991–1994)
• Brian Castles Onion (2003–2004)
• Lindsay Partridge (1994)
• Elliott Wilshier (1994–1999)
• Franky Valentyn (2000s)
• Stuart Hunter (2014–current)

Theme Song

The famous Play School theme song is called "There's a Bear in There." Richard Connolly wrote the music, and Rosemary Milne wrote the words.

Here are the lyrics: "There's a bear in there,
and a chair as well.
There are people with games,
and stories to tell.
Open wide, come inside;
it's Play School."

In 2017, this song was added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia list. This means it's considered a very important part of Australian history and culture!

Albums

Play School has released many music albums over the years. These albums feature popular songs and nursery rhymes from the show.

• Hey Diddle Diddle (1976)
• Hickory Dickory (1978)
• Humpty Dumpty (1981)
• Wiggerly Woo (1984)
• There's a Bear in There (1987)
• ...It's Play School (1991)
• The Best of Play School (1993)
• Oomba Baroomba (1994)
• Play School Favourites (1996)
• In The Car (1997)
• Hullabaloo (1999)
• Favourite Play School Nursery Rhymes (2002)
• Hip Hip Hooray (2002)
• Sing-a-Long Songs (2004)
• Let's Play Together (2011)
• Come and Play 45th Anniversary (2011)
• Big Ted, Prince of Bears (2014)
• Favourite Things Songs and Nursery Rhymes from Play School (2014)
• Play School: Jemima's Big Adventure (2015)
• Once Upon a Time (2015)
• Famous Friends: Celebrating 50 Years of Play School (2016)
• Play School: 50 Best Songs (2016)

Awards and Recognition

Play School has won many awards for being an amazing children's show.

AACTA Awards

• In 2016, Play School was nominated for Best Children's Television Series at the AACTA Awards.

TV Week Logie Awards

Play School has won and been nominated for several TV Week Logie Awards, which are big awards for Australian TV.

• In 1998, it won Most Outstanding Achievement in Children's Television.
• In 2006, Play School was added to the Logie Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor for shows that have been important to Australian television for a long time.

ARIA Music Awards

The show's music albums have also won awards!

• In 1997, the album In the Car won the ARIA Award for Best Children's Album.

AIMIA Awards

• In 2014, the Play School Play Time app won the Best of Tablet – Entertainment award at the AIMIA Awards.

Beloved Toys

The Play School set is home to many famous toy friends! These toys often join the presenters in their games and stories.

What Play School Teaches

Since it started, Play School has aimed to teach kids important things. It encourages them to be curious, to think, to feel, and to imagine. The show wants to help children love learning. Many actors feel it's a very important job to be a Play School presenter. They know they are helping to build a foundation for learning that will last a lifetime for many children.

The presenters talk directly to the children watching. This makes every child feel like they are spending time with friends they know and trust. Through this special connection, the show shares stories, songs, and activities that are a big part of Australian children's culture.

Presenters

The presenters are the friendly faces who guide children through each episode. They sing, play, and tell stories.

Current Presenters

Former Presenters

Many wonderful presenters have been part of the Play School family over the years.

Images for kids

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  The classic flower clock used on the show.

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  Long-time host Don Spencer

• 

  Current presenter Justine Clarke

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  Play School logo from 1966–1975

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  Play School logo from 1976–1987

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  Play School logo from 1987–1999

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  Play School logo from 2000–2011

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  Play School logo from 2011–present