Inquiry-Based Learning at Coombs

How asking “why” leads to curious minds, confident learners, and lifelong skills.

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-Based Learning is an approach where children learn by exploring their own questions, ideas, and interests. Instead of only being shown what to do, they are encouraged to wonder, investigate, and discover for themselves. This helps them build confidence, think critically, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

At Coombs, our inquiry-based approach is guided by Australia’s Belonging, Being & Becoming Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which supports children in becoming curious and capable learners.

Where It Comes From

Inquiry-Based Learning has its roots in the work of educational thinkers like John Dewey, who believed that children learn best through experience and curiosity. Over time, this approach has been supported by psychologists such as Piaget and Vygotsky, who demonstrated that children construct knowledge through interaction with their environment and with others. Today, it’s widely used in early learning centres around the world to nurture deeper understanding and lifelong skills.

What the Research Shows

Research has consistently shown that inquiry-based approaches can lead to:

Higher engagement

Children are more motivated to participate when they explore topics that matter to them.

Improved confidence and communication

Sharing discoveries with others helps children feel proud of their ideas and enhances their sense of accomplishment.

Better learning outcomes

A 2022 meta-analysis of inquiry-based learning found consistent positive effects on children’s academic achievement.

Stronger critical thinking

Investigating, predicting, and reflecting help children develop reasoning skills.

These benefits align directly with the goals of Australia’s Belonging, Being & Becoming Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0), which guides our curriculum.

How We Do It at Coombs

At Coombs Early Learning, inquiry isn’t something we do once in a while; it’s woven into every part of the day.

Child-led questions

Educators notice what sparks your child’s curiosity, whether it’s a bug in the garden or a question about the weather.

Guided exploration

We set up experiences and materials that encourage children to look closer, ask more questions, and try new ideas.

Reflect and share

Children talk about what they discovered, draw pictures, or make something to show their learning.

Real-world connections

From our Bush Kinder sessions to our garden and play spaces, inquiry happens everywhere.

Our approach is also shaped by strong values, including practising gratitude and building positive habits that help children feel connected and respected.

Your Child’s Journey

Every child is unique, but inquiry learning usually follows a simple, natural cycle. It often starts when a question or idea emerges during play or conversation. From there, children explore by observing, experimenting, and investigating in their own way. Educators gently guide this process, asking open-ended questions and providing materials to encourage deeper thinking. As children reflect on what they’ve noticed, they begin to share their discoveries, sometimes through stories, artwork, or building something new. Over time, this process helps children develop problem-solving skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.

Real Stories

Here are just a few examples of inquiry in action:

A group of children noticed snails in the garden and spent the morning comparing their shells, measuring how far they travelled, and creating snail drawings.
In our Tiny Toddlers room, a child’s interest in water led to experiments with pouring, floating, and sinking.
During Bush Kinder, children collected leaves and used them to create natural art, sparking conversations about seasons and trees.

These small investigations empower children to see that their ideas matter.

FAQs About Inquiry-Based Learning

Yes, literacy and numeracy are embedded in everyday experiences, from reading stories to measuring and counting during investigations.

Absolutely. Even our youngest children explore through sensory play, simple questions, and guided experiences.

Educators carefully observe, ask open-ended questions, and set up materials to guide and extend children’s thinking.

We document children’s progress through photos, observations, and reflections, which are shared with families via our communication app.

While inquiry learning is flexible and follows children’s interests, we still have a consistent daily routine that helps everyone feel secure. There are set times for meals, rest, and group activities, and within this structure, children have plenty of opportunities to explore, question, and discover at their own pace.

Ready to Experience Inquiry-Based Learning

We’d love to show you how our inquiry-based approach inspires child-led learning every day. Book a tour and see our learning spaces for yourself.