Cosy Direct to launch in Australia at ECA Perth Conference

UK-based early childhood resource developer Cosy Direct will launch into the Australian market at the upcoming Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Conference in Perth, bringing more than 6,000 nature-inspired learning products and a collaborative approach to product design.

With a 15-year track record supporting early childhood education across 50 countries, Cosy Direct will make its in-person debut with Australian educators this October. Known for its focus on outdoor play, sustainability and co-created resources, the company will showcase its extensive product range and announce new partnerships at the national event.

Cosy Direct’s expansion into Australia is supported by its distribution partnership with Melbourne-based Step4, which recently opened a new educator-focused showroom. The collaboration will give Australian services access to a wide range of open-ended, play-based materials designed to foster creativity, connection and environmental awareness in early learning settings.

Cosy Direct’s model is based on a unique ‘pracademic’ culture combining practical experience with academic inquiry. The company co-develops more than 400 new products each year in collaboration with educators, researchers and sector leaders.

“We build relationships before we build products,” CEO Pete Ellse said. “Our best ideas come from conversations with educators who challenge us to think differently and keep childhood at the centre of everything.”

Known for its mud kitchens, loose parts and open-ended materials, Cosy Direct champions unstructured outdoor learning. The company’s resources are designed to invite exploration, movement, and creativity, values closely aligned with Australia’s early learning philosophies.

Cosy’s sustainability commitment includes environmentally responsible materials, packaging and logistics, with 10 per cent of profits invested into community-led initiatives via the Cosy Foundation.

“Australia feels like a natural fit for Cosy, a place where creativity, outdoor play, and bold ideas thrive,” Mr Ellse said.

As part of its launch, Cosy will be offering an opportunity to meet with its UK-based leadership team at the ECA Perth Conference and explore the full product range, including featured items in the latest Cosy Catalogue.

For more information, visit cosydirect.com or cosyfoundation.com.