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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Thrive with Ali Fleming

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Australia
Adelaide, SA
Thrive with Ali Fleming

I am an Early Years Intervention Teacher & Play Therapist. I create environments in which children can thrive. www.alifleming.com.au

Experienced and compassionate Early Education Teacher with experience in Australia and abroad. Ali has passionately supported children and families in diverse settings, from schools and kindergartens to homes and childcare centers. Holding a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood and a Diploma of Children’s Services, Ali's journey includes accolades such as being a Regional Winner i

n the Family Day Care Australia Excellence Award 2021 and 2024. In her personalised approach, Ali seamlessly integrates the philosophy of 'learning through play' to connect with children on an individual level. She incorporates her deep understanding of developmental stages and sensory profiles, she collaborates with families and caregivers as a key worker to plan interventions that foster holistic growth and development.

21/07/2025

🌧️ Playgroup Cancelled 🌡️

Due to the weather forecast for this mornings playgroup has been cancelled. We were hoping for a break in the weather for playgroup but the forecast for 9 to 11 today is incredibly wet, cold and windy.

We look forward to seeing you next week.

14/07/2025

🌟 When a Tiny Teacher Changed Everything: The Power of Silent Communication 🌟

As an Early Childhood Intervention Therapist, I've witnessed countless beautiful moments, but one stands out as truly transformative. When a 2-year-old non-verbal child joined our group, he became the most powerful teacher we never expected.

💪 How one little soul revolutionised our understanding of communication:
✨ The art of truly seeing – With no words to rely on, we had to slow down and observe every subtle movement, every facial expression, every sound. This child taught us that a pushed-away hand means "I need space," a gentle smile means "yes, I'm enjoying this," and moving away from an activity clearly communicates "I'm finished now."
✨ Building bridges without words – The older children in our group became expert translators, learning to read body language with incredible precision. They would notice when our young friend was happy, frustrated, or ready to engage, developing empathy skills that will serve them for life.
✨ Patience as a superpower – When someone needs 50 gentle reminders to hold the trolley during an excursion, you learn that consistency and patience aren't just therapeutic tools – they're acts of love. Every repeated prompt was an investment in safety and understanding.
✨ The genius of non-verbal communication – This remarkable child used hand-leading to show us exactly what he wanted, demonstrated his needs through actions, and taught us that communication happens in countless ways beyond spoken words. His clarity was often more precise than verbal requests!
✨ Creating inclusive magic – The other children learnt to include him at his level, offering parallel play experiences and creating space for different ways of engaging. They discovered that friendship doesn't require shared language – it requires shared humanity.

This experience reminded me that every child has something profound to teach us. In a world that often rushes past those who communicate differently, this little one slowed us all down and showed us the beauty of truly paying attention.
💛 When we embrace different communication styles, we don't just accommodate – we enrich everyone's understanding of what it means to connect as humans.

Has your family discovered the power of non-verbal communication? Sometimes our greatest teachers come in the smallest packages, showing us that words are just one way to share our hearts. 🌱

07/07/2025

🌟 When Two Ideas Become One Magic Plan: The Art of Collaborative Dreaming 🌟

This morning, two children both drew volcanoes as their number one plan. Instead of rushing into separate activities, we discovered something beautiful: how arrows on paper can transform individual ideas into shared adventures.

💪 How our play planning revolutionises collaboration:
• Individual voice first – Every child draws their own ideas before we connect. This honours their autonomy: "What does YOUR brain want to explore today?" Their plans matter before we consider the group.
• The magic of arrows – When we notice similar ideas, we draw arrows connecting them! Children discover: "Oh, you want volcanoes too? How can we make this bigger together?" One child even started drawing arrows independently – now that's growth!
• "Yeah, and..." thinking – Instead of "No, but..." children learn to build on each other's ideas. Yesterday's volcano became tomorrow's volcano-pizza creation. Their imaginative expansion knows no bounds!
• Negotiation in action – "We both want to be shopkeeper" becomes a problem they solve together. Through scaffolded support, they discover turn-taking, time-sharing, and collaborative role creation.
• From paper to reality – Those arrows on paper translate into real-world cooperation. Children who plan together learn to build together, problem-solve together, and celebrate together.
• Flexible thinking in practice – When someone needs an earlier nap, we wonder: "Could we be flexible and go to the playground first?" Children learn that plans can adapt while still honouring everyone's needs.

What we're really teaching isn't just play planning – it's democracy in action. Children learn that their voice matters, other perspectives have value, and the best solutions often come from combining different ideas into something entirely new. 💛

This collaborative dreaming builds the foundation for every future relationship, every workplace project, every community initiative they'll ever be part of.
How does your family practice turning individual ideas into shared adventures? Sometimes the most beautiful plans are the ones we create together. 🌱

03/07/2025

🌟 The Play Therapy Studio is HERE: Ready for School Holiday Magic! 🌟

As an Early Childhood Intervention Therapist, I've dreamed of this moment - my custom-built Play Therapy Studio is finally complete and ready to welcome children just in time for our school holiday intensive program!

✨ Why this timing feels absolutely perfect:
• ♦ School holidays provide the ideal opportunity for intensive therapeutic work when children are relaxed and ready to explore
• ♦ A fresh, purpose-built environment creates excitement and curiosity - the perfect foundation for meaningful connections
• ♦ Children thrive when they can engage in extended play sessions without the pressure of school schedules
• ♦ The studio's sensory-friendly design supports deeper regulation and emotional exploration during longer sessions

🌱 What makes me most excited:
The children themselves will be part of completing this space! While we have some finishing touches like landscaping still to come, I can't think of anything more therapeutic than having the children help shape their own play environment. They'll contribute to decisions about garden plantings, outdoor sensory elements, and creative touches that will make this space truly theirs.

This isn't just about having a beautiful new therapy room - it's about creating a sanctuary where children feel safe to be authentically themselves, explore big emotions, and develop new skills through the power of play. Every corner has been designed with therapeutic intention, from the calming colour palette to the flexible spaces that can adapt to each child's unique needs.

The fact that it's ready for our holiday intensive feels like perfect timing. These programs are where I see the most incredible breakthroughs - when children have the luxury of time and space to really dive deep into their therapeutic journey.

Have your children ever experienced their biggest growth during school holidays when the pressure is off? There's something magical about giving kids permission to just BE and play! 🌈💛

25/06/2025

🌟 THRIVE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP 🌟

Join Ali Fleming's FREE weekly playgroup for families with developmentally different children!
📅 Every Tuesday during school terms
⏰ 9am - 11am
📍 Ali's Home Studio, Tea Tree Gully SA

✨ What makes this special:
• Connect with other families on similar journeys
• Gain valuable NDIS insights and support
• Meet visiting therapists (speech, OT & more!)
• Safe, welcoming community environment

Perfect for parents and carers looking for connection, understanding, and practical support. Your child will love the open ended play activities & nature play while you build meaningful relationships with other families.
👪 Any family welcome!
📝 Register: https://alifleming.com.au/playgroup-registration-form

23/06/2025

🌟 Empowering Our Children Through Assertive Communication 🌟

Assertion ≠ Aggression ✨

Sometimes adults "help" children in ways that actually take away their independence and confidence. Teaching our kids to advocate for themselves respectfully is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

8 Empowering Phrases to Teach Your Child:
• "I'd like to try this myself first."
• "That doesn't feel right to me."
• "I'm not ready to share this yet."
• "Could you please wait for me to ask for help?"
• "I need a moment to decide."
• "This is my personal space."
• "I'll let you know when I'm finished."
• "I feel uncomfortable when you do that."

The Goal: Help children communicate their feelings and boundaries in a respectful, clear, and honest way.

When we teach kids these phrases, we're not just giving them words – we're giving them confidence, self-respect, and the tools to navigate relationships throughout their lives.

Let's raise children who know their worth and can express their needs without aggression or submission. 💪

19/06/2025

🌟 Beyond Therapy: Advocating for Every Child's Right to Thrive 🌟

As an Early Childhood Intervention Therapist, I don't just provide therapy - I advocate fiercely for every child who walks through my doors. When families face NDIS reassessments, funding cuts, or system barriers, I become their voice, their evidence, and their unwavering support.

💪 Why holistic advocacy matters:
✨ Seeing the WHOLE child – I document not just deficits, but strengths, progress, and the beautiful complexity of each child's journey. Every child deserves to be seen as more than their diagnosis.
✨ Fighting for what's RIGHT – When a 6-year-old's NDIS funding is threatened, I don't just write reports - I craft compelling evidence that shows why continued support isn't just helpful, it's essential. I've seen what happens without it.
✨ Bridging worlds – I translate complex therapeutic observations into language that families, schools, and NDIS planners can understand. Your child's needs shouldn't be lost in system jargon.
✨ Long-term relationships matter – Several years with a child isn’t just therapy - it is building trust, understanding his unique patterns, and becoming the expert witness to their incredible journey. This depth of knowledge becomes powerful advocacy ammunition.
✨ Evidence-based but heart-centred – I combine rigorous documentation with genuine care. Every report I write carries the weight of my professional expertise AND my deep investment in that child's future.

The system can be overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes feels like it's working against our children. But you don't have to navigate it alone.

When I advocate for your child, I'm advocating for their right to learn, grow, connect, and thrive - not just survive. 🌈💛

Has your family needed an advocate in your journey? The fight for our children's support is real, but so is the power of having someone in your corner who truly understands. 💪

05/06/2025

💙 When Anxiety Takes the Wheel: Understanding the Avoidance Cycle 💙

Strong sense of Anxiety = the stronger the Avoidance

When we or someone we love feels anxious, avoidance is often not far behind. The higher the anxiety, the more intense the urge to run away - even from things we might genuinely want to do.

Here's the tricky part: avoidance does bring short-term relief, which makes it more likely to happen again. Even mild stressors or just thinking about a demand can trigger this cycle.

Hello PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance 👋
As parents or partners, it's natural to want to encourage and push, but pressing too hard often backfires. The more we push, the more resistance builds.

Instead, try reducing demands by as much as 80% to prevent reinforcing avoidant behavior. Focus on small, low-pressure opportunities where success is likely. This helps rebuild confidence and trust in their ability to face uncertainty.

What also prevails is Anticipatory Anxiety ⏰
As a stressful moment gets closer - whether it's going to school, attending a party, or making a phone call - anxiety builds. From the outside, it can seem like someone is fine one moment and completely overwhelmed the next. That shift often comes from rising panic as the event nears, not from a lack of motivation or effort.

"I Want to, But I Can't" 💔
This is perhaps the most heartbreaking part of PDA: hearing your child or partner say these words. It's not defiance - it's internal conflict. They may truly want to meet expectations, but the anxiety becomes paralysing.

Repeated failure to meet their own expectations can damage self-esteem and deepen the cycle of avoidance.

In close relationships, our role is not to remove every challenge, but to reduce pressure, create safe space, and celebrate small steps. That support can slowly rebuild their ability to approach rather than avoid.

Understanding first, supporting always. 💛.

02/06/2025

🎪 Are We Adulterating Children's Play? Let's Talk About This 🎪

The uncomfortable truth: as adults, we have a tendency to take over, direct, and impose our agenda on children's play - often without even realising we're doing it.

Adulterating play is a key concept from the Playwork course I completed in Melbourne last week. Adulterating describes when adults interfere with or distort the natural play process. It happens when we insert our own needs, fears, or agendas into what should be child-led experiences.

Common ways we adulterate play: ✨ Over-directing - "Why don't you build it this way instead?"
✨ Rushing to fix - Jumping in before children have a chance to attempt to problem-solve independently.
✨ Safety anxiety - Stopping play that feels too risky for us as adults before assessing real danger
✨ Educational hijacking - Turning everything into a "teachable moment"
✨ Our own un-played needs - Getting lost in our own play urges and taking over

Here's what happens when we adulterate play: children lose ownership of their experience. They stop trusting their instincts, their creativity gets stunted, and they learn to look to adults for direction instead of following their own play impulses.

The antidote? Minimal intervention. Stepping back. Following the child's agenda, not ours. Being present without taking over. Letting them struggle, explore, and discover in their own way, at their own pace.

In play work, we call this "facilitating without adulterating" - supporting the play process while keeping our adult agendas out of it.

The question we need to ask ourselves: Are we truly supporting their play, or are we subtly directing it to feel more comfortable for us?

How about we learn to lean into the discomfort of not being in control…

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply... step back. 💛

30/05/2025

🎯 Investing in Play: Fresh Learning from the Playwork Foundation Practitioner Course! 🎯

Just wrapped up an incredible 2-day intensive with the amazing Martin King-Sheard from Play Wales and fellow practitioners in Melbourne!

This Play Australia certified course was a deep dive into the Playwork Principles, and it reinforced something I've always believed: "Children can't learn to navigate risk unless they have risky things to navigate."

What we explored over these two powerful days:
🔹 Loose parts theory – How everyday materials become tools for creativity and problem-solving
🔹 The play cycle – Understanding how children naturally move through play experiences
🔹 Dynamic risk-benefit assessment – Supporting children to assess and navigate real challenges safely
🔹 Intervention styles – Knowing when to step in, step back, or step alongside
🔹 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – Honouring children's fundamental right to play

The hands-on loose parts play was absolutely transformative! There's something magical about watching practitioners rediscover their own play instincts while learning how to better support children's natural play processes.

This training aligns perfectly with my approach – creating spaces where children can experience genuine challenge, make real choices, and develop authentic confidence through meaningful play experiences.

Professional development never stops when you're passionate about supporting children's growth! Already thinking about how to weave these fresh insights into my small group sessions and home-based practice.

Always learning, always growing – for the children we serve. 💛

25/05/2025

🌟 Learning in the Moment: Why Small Groups Are the Sweet Spot for Emotional Growth 🌟

When it comes to teaching emotional literacy and co-regulation, context is everything! As a play therapist, I've seen firsthand how children learn best when they experience skills in real, meaningful interactions—not just through direct instruction. This is why small group therapy (max 4 children) provides the perfect balance between personalised support and authentic social learning.

💡 Why small groups work best for emotional and social skill development:
✨ Real-Life Practice – Emotional regulation isn't learned in isolation; it happens in the moment, during play, transitions, and social interactions. Small groups provide just enough peer interaction for children to practice and refine these skills with gentle guidance.
✨ Balanced Support – In a large group, children may struggle to get the individualised attention they need. In 1:1 settings, they don't get enough peer interaction to apply skills in a social context. Small groups provide just the right level of support while keeping social interactions natural and meaningful.
✨ Co-Regulation Opportunities – Learning to manage big emotions is easier when children see their peers doing the same. Small groups allow for peer modelling and guided co-regulation, helping children develop self-regulation strategies in a supported way.
✨ Confidence in Social Interactions – For children with Autism, ADHD, or anxiety, big group settings can be overwhelming. A smaller group creates a safe, predictable space where they can build confidence at their own pace.
✨ Play-Based Emotional Learning – Small groups provide natural moments to explore feelings, problem-solving, turn-taking, and perspective-taking—all through play! This makes emotional learning engaging, meaningful, and fun!
✨ Home-Based Comfort – When children come to my home-based studio, they're not thinking "I'm going to therapy"—they're simply visiting Ali's house! This familiar, comfortable environment helps children feel at ease and more open to learning, making our sessions feel natural and stress-free.

In small groups, children don't just learn about emotions and self-regulation—they live it, experience it, and practice it with real friends in a supportive, homely setting. 💛🌈

23/05/2025

🌟 Making Progress: Windows, Doors & Roof Now Up! 🏗️

Another construction milestone reached on our play therapy space - windows, doors, and roof are now in place! It's exciting to see the building take shape and start looking more like the finished space.

The windows are bringing in lovely natural light, and it's becoming easier to envision how the different therapy areas will flow together. Watching this project progress step by step has been both challenging and rewarding.

Each new element completed brings us closer to having a dedicated space where children can feel comfortable and supported during their therapy sessions.

Looking forward to sharing more updates as we move toward the interior work! 💛

Address

Adelaide, SA

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

0423769549

Website

https://linktr.ee/alifleming

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Our Story

I am a teacher who is passionate about outdoor education & supporting children to grow holistically, in their own time. I believe positive relationships are central to developing feelings of wellbeing and I consider it vital that a connection is established with each child from day one.

Kate Gardner Wellbeing & Colonics Adelaide
Reynella