Michele Mayhew, Author at 黑料专区 Lifelong learning start here! Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:53:16 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 How Our Centres Celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 /blog/how-our-centres-celebrated-national-simultaneous-storytime-2026/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:38:13 +0000 /?p=22224 On Wednesday 27 May, something special happened in early learning centres and schools right across the country, and ours were right in the middle of it. [...]

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On Wednesday 27 May, something special happened in early learning centres, schools and libraries right across the country, and ours were right in the middle of it.

What Is National Simultaneous Storytime?

(NSS) is an annual event run by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), now in its 26th year. Every year, a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, bookshops, and homes across Australia, and beyond.

At 12pm AEST on 27 May 2026, millions of children sat down together to hear the same story at exactly the same time. It's one of the most joyful reading events on the Australian calendar, and a genuine reminder of what shared stories can do for children, families and communities.

This Year's Book: Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller

This year's chosen title was Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller, written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton, and published by Little Book Press. Luna Roo is the rookie captain of FC Outback, stepping up to lead her team in a thrilling match against Bush United, facing spider goalkeepers, snake attackers, and a serious case of nerves along the way. The story's message is one that resonates well beyond the soccer pitch: trust your skills, back your teammates, and keep going even when things get hard.

The authors bring real football credentials to the story. Adam Jackson has worked in the sport for nearly 20 years, including time at Manchester United and as Head of Marketing at global sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS. Adrian Lloyd is an FA-qualified coach who has coached at Fulham FC and with children's teams here in Australia. That background gives the book an authenticity that children, and the educators reading it, can feel.

How Our Centres Joined In

Across our network of centres, including , , , , and more, educators found creative and engaging ways to make NSS a full experience, not just a shared reading moment.

Some centres created soccer-themed sensory trays for children to explore before and after the story, connecting the book's themes to hands-on play. Others organised soccer-inspired physical activities, getting children moving and channelling Luna Roo's energy out on the mat and in the yard. And in several centres, foyer displays were set up so children could share what the event meant to them with their families at pick-up time, turning a single storytime into a conversation that continued at home.

Sensory tray at Milestones Early Learning Mount Riverview
Sensory tray at Milestones Early Learning Mount Riverview
Foyer display at Bright Beginnings Children鈥檚 Centre
Foyer display at Bright Beginnings Children鈥檚 Centre
National Simultaneous Storytime soccer activity at Papilio Early Learning Barton
National Simultaneous Storytime soccer activity at Papilio Early Learning Barton

Why Events Like This Matter

NSS is about more than a single book read on a single day. It's a national moment that puts shared reading front and centre, and research consistently supports why that matters. Reading regularly with children from a young age stimulates brain development, strengthens relationships, and builds the language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that set children up for life. When a child sits with an educator and hears a story read with expression and care, they're not just enjoying a narrative, they're building vocabulary, developing listening skills, and experiencing the kind of warm, engaged connection that early learning is built on.

For our educators, NSS is also a chance to bring the wider community into the room, to show children that what happens in their centre is part of something much bigger happening all around Australia, at exactly the same moment.

Join a Centre Near You

If you'd like to find out more about how our centres bring literacy, play, and learning to life every day, we'd love to welcome you in for a visit.

Find your nearest 黑料专区 centre.

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]]> National Reconciliation Week 2026: Walking Alongside First Nations Communities in Early Learning /blog/national-reconciliation-week-2026-walking-alongside-first-nations-communities-in-early-learning/ Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 /?p=22217 National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year. The dates are fixed - they mark the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision - and the theme changes annually, reflecting where the national conversation on reconciliation sits. This year, we are marking the week by thinking about what reconciliation means in the context of early childhood education, and what it looks like in the communities where our centres operate. [...]

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National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year. The dates are fixed - they mark the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision - and the theme changes annually, reflecting where the national conversation on reconciliation sits. This year, we are marking the week by thinking about what reconciliation means in the context of early childhood education, and what it looks like in the communities where our centres operate.

What reconciliation means

describes reconciliation as a journey, one that involves all Australians, not just those with a direct connection to First Nations communities. It encompasses five dimensions: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance.

In practical terms, reconciliation means acknowledging the truth of Australia's history, including the ongoing effects of colonisation on First Nations peoples, and taking meaningful action to build respectful, equitable relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

It is not a destination. It is a process. And the early years, when children are forming their understanding of the world, of people, and of belonging, are a meaningful place to begin.

Why early learning matters for reconciliation

Children are not born with prejudice. They learn to categorise, to judge, and to exclude, or not to, from the environments they grow up in and the people around them.

Research consistently shows that children who are exposed to diverse perspectives and cultures from an early age develop stronger empathy, more flexible thinking, and a broader sense of who belongs in their world. Early learning settings have a genuine role to play in shaping that.

The , the national curriculum framework for early childhood education in Australia, recognises this explicitly. One of its five learning outcomes is that children develop a strong sense of identity: one that includes understanding their own heritage and respecting the heritage of others.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, this means early learning environments that reflect, honour, and celebrate their culture. For all children, it means growing up alongside First Nations knowledge and perspectives as a natural part of everyday learning, not a special occasion, not a term project, but woven into the fabric of how they understand the world.

The Wandana partnership

黑料专区's approach to First Nations education is shaped by our partnership with . Wandana's educators and knowledge holders work directly with our centres to weave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, language, and culture into the Lifelong Learning Curriculum.

This is not a tokenistic arrangement. Wandana leads the content. Their educators bring the knowledge. Our role is to create the conditions for that knowledge to be shared respectfully, and to support our educators to engage with it meaningfully.

Across our centres, children encounter First Nations stories, language, and ways of knowing as part of ordinary days, in the songs they sing, the art they make, the stories they hear, the connection to Country that is built into how outdoor spaces are approached and understood.

How families can participate in Reconciliation Week at home

Reconciliation Week doesn't need to be complicated to be meaningful. Here are some ways families can engage with the week at home, with children of all ages.

  • Read together. There are many wonderful picture books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators. Some to look for: and Aunty's Wedding, written by Miranda Tapsall and Joshua Tyler and illustrated by Samantha Campbell.
  • Use the map. The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia is a beautiful way to explore whose Country you live and work on with older children. Find it at aiatsis.gov.au.
  • Attend a local event. Many libraries, councils, and community organisations hold Reconciliation Week events. Check what is happening in your area.
  • Start a conversation. With young children, this can be as simple as acknowledging Country when you go outside: "This is the land of the [local First Nations group] people. They have cared for it for a very long time."
  • Explore Reconciliation Australia's resources at - they have family-friendly materials to support the week.

Reconciliation is not one week's work. But a week that prompts a conversation, a story, a walk on Country with fresh eyes - that is a week well spent.

See our Reconciliation Action Plan.

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]]> What Is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, and What Does It Mean for Your Child Every Day? /blog/what-is-the-lifelong-learning-curriculum/ Mon, 11 May 2026 00:34:26 +0000 /?p=22215 If you've visited one of our centres, you may have heard educators talk about the Lifelong Learning Curriculum. You might have seen it referenced in your child's learning documentation, or spotted it on a display in a room. But what is it, exactly, and what does it actually look like in practice? This post answers both of those questions. [...]

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If you've visited one of our centres, you may have heard educators talk about the Lifelong Learning Curriculum. You might have seen it referenced in your child's learning documentation, or spotted it on a display in a room. But what is it, exactly, and what does it actually look like in practice? This post answers both of those questions.

A curriculum designed for early childhood

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is the educational framework that guides learning and teaching across 黑料专区's centres for children from birth to school age.

It was developed in-house, grounded in research, and designed specifically for how young children learn, not adapted from a school curriculum, not imported wholesale from another context, but built for the early years and the children in them.

The curriculum is structured around four areas of development: emotional confidence, social connection, physical health and wellbeing, and foundational learning skills. Everything that happens in the room - the activities educators plan, the way they respond to children, the spaces they design - is connected to these areas.

What the research behind it looks like

Early childhood education has a rich body of research behind it, and the Lifelong Learning Curriculum draws on a carefully selected set of approaches, chosen because the evidence supports them.

For babies, the curriculum is anchored in Attachment Theory and Relationship Practices. This means educators focus first on building secure, trusting relationships with each child, the kind of relationships that make everything else possible. A baby who feels safe with their educator is a baby who is ready to explore, to play, and to learn.

For toddlers, the curriculum uses the Abecedarian Approach, a structured, language-rich way of supporting learning in the one-to-three age group that has strong long-term evidence behind it. Educators use language intentionally throughout the day: narrating routines, naming objects, asking open questions, building vocabulary through conversation.

For preschoolers, the framework shifts to Project-Based Learning, giving children the opportunity to explore ideas over time, to investigate, to collaborate, to ask questions and find answers. This is the age at which curiosity is most visible, and the curriculum is designed to honour and extend it.

Across all ages, the curriculum draws on principles from Montessori and Reggio Emilia, keeping children at the centre of their own learning, respecting their agency, and trusting their capacity to direct their own discovery.

How it connects to the national framework

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is fully aligned to the (EYLF v2.0), the national framework that guides early childhood education across the country.

Alignment to the EYLF is a regulatory requirement for all early learning centres in Australia. The Lifelong Learning Curriculum meets that requirement and goes further, translating the EYLF's five learning outcomes into age-specific programs, educator resources, and practical daily activities that make the framework real in each room.

The EYLF's five outcomes - a strong sense of identity, connection to the world, a strong sense of wellbeing, confident and involved learning, and effective communication - are woven through every program in the curriculum, from Healthy Beginnings for babies through to Early Experiences for toddlers, and the School Readiness preschool programs.

What it looks like on an ordinary Tuesday

Frameworks and research matter, but the question most parents have is simpler: what does this mean for my child, today?

For a seven-month-old, it might mean a dedicated key educator who greets them the same way every morning, who knows their feeding cues, who narrates a nappy change with a running commentary because that conversation is building language pathways in a brain that is absorbing everything.

For a two-year-old, it might mean a morning where educators pause to notice what the child is interested in - a puddle, a caterpillar, a cardboard box - and extend that interest rather than redirect it. The learning isn't in a worksheet. It's in the conversation, the exploration, the time spent.

For a four-year-old, it might mean a project that has been running for three weeks - investigating where rain comes from, or how buildings are made - with documentation on the wall that shows the questions the children have asked and the discoveries they've made along the way.

In each case, there is intention behind what educators are doing. The curriculum gives them a framework for that intention, and the training to bring it to life.

Grounded in research, continuously informed by it

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is grounded in current research and evolves as our understanding of how young children learn continues to grow. If you'd like to see it in action, the best way is to visit a centre. You'll see it in how educators interact with children, how rooms are set up, and how learning is documented and shared with families.

Find your nearest 黑料专区 centre to arrange a tour.

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]]> Nourishing Children Through the Seasons: How Our Autumn Menu Supports Health, Wellbeing and Learning /blog/nourishing-children-through-the-seasons-how-our-autumn-menu-supports-health-wellbeing-and-learning/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:53:07 +0000 /?p=22004 As the seasons change, so do the nutritional needs of growing children.

Across 黑料专区 centres, our seasonal menus are thoughtfully designed to reflect this, ensuring children enjoy fresh, nourishing meals that support their health, wellbeing, and development all year round. [...]

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As the seasons change, so do the nutritional needs of growing children.

Across 黑料专区 centres, our seasonal menus are thoughtfully designed to reflect this, ensuring children enjoy fresh, nourishing meals that support their health, wellbeing, and development all year round.

This autumn, we鈥檝e introduced a refreshed menu that brings together nutritional expertise, seasonal ingredients, and a deep understanding of how children learn and grow.

Why Seasonal Nutrition Matters in Early Childhood

In the early years, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting:

  • Physical growth and development
  • Cognitive function, focus, and energy
  • Immune system health
  • Emotional regulation and overall wellbeing

Seasonal menus allow us to align meals with what children naturally need at different times of the year, offering warming, nutrient-rich foods in autumn that help sustain energy and support developing immune systems.

They also create opportunities for children to experience variety, explore new foods, and build positive eating habits over time.

A Collaborative Approach with Nutrition Experts

Our autumn menu has been developed in partnership with , Accredited Practising Dietitians and leaders in early childhood nutrition.

With over a decade of experience working alongside early learning providers, The Biting Truth brings a practical, evidence-based approach to menu planning, ensuring meals are:

  • Nutritionally balanced and aligned with dietary guidelines
  • Suitable for early childhood settings
  • Enjoyable and accessible for children
  • Practical for on-site preparation

This collaboration supports our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care and education through every part of the day, including mealtimes.

What Children Experience Each Day

Across our centres, children are supported with a consistent rhythm of meals designed to fuel learning and play:

  • A balanced breakfast
  • Morning tea
  • A nutritious lunch
  • Afternoon tea

Menus include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, plant-based options, dairy (and alternatives), and healthy fats, ensuring children receive the nutrients they need to thrive.

What鈥檚 New on the Autumn Menu

This season鈥檚 menu has been carefully refined to support both nutrition and food confidence.

Key features include:

  • A diverse range of flavours inspired by global cuisines
  • Iron-rich meals to support growth and development
  • Balanced vegetarian options incorporating legumes and tofu
  • An increased focus on fruits and vegetables for fibre and micronutrients
  • Child-friendly textures designed with safety and development in mind
  • Nutritious, engaging afternoon tea options

Each week is designed to gently expand children鈥檚 preferences, encouraging them to try new foods in a safe, supportive environment.

Supporting Food Confidence and Lifelong Habits

At 黑料专区, mealtimes are recognised as an important part of a child鈥檚 learning experience.

Through shared meals, children are supported to:

  • Explore new foods without pressure
  • Develop independence and self-help skills
  • Engage socially with peers and educators
  • Build a positive relationship with food

These everyday experiences contribute to the development of lifelong healthy habits, an important foundation for future wellbeing.

Inclusive and Responsive to Family Needs

We understand that food is closely connected to culture, identity, and family preferences.

Our menus are inclusive and adaptable, with vegetarian and halal options available. We work in partnership with families to ensure all dietary requirements are supported safely and respectfully across our centres.

Extending Healthy Habits Beyond the Centre

We also recognise the important role families play in shaping children鈥檚 eating habits.

Many families notice that children are more willing to try new foods in a social setting, such as at their early learning centre. This is a natural part of development and reflects the supportive, low-pressure environment created by educators.

Simple, consistent approaches at home, such as offering a variety of foods, involving children in meal preparation, and maintaining a positive mealtime environment, can help reinforce these behaviours over time.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

Nutrition is one of many ways we support children鈥檚 development through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum.

By combining evidence-based nutrition, experienced educators, and thoughtfully designed environments, we create a holistic approach that supports every child to feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.

Our autumn menu is a reflection of this commitment, ensuring every child has the nourishment they need to grow, thrive, and build strong foundations for life.

Find your nearest 黑料专区 early learning centre here.

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]]> Welcoming Our New Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, Riley O鈥橬eill /blog/welcoming-our-new-queensland-senior-behaviour-coach-riley-oneill/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:13:45 +0000 /?p=21896 Supporting children鈥檚 behaviour starts with supporting the educators who care for them every day.

That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e excited to welcome Riley O鈥橬eill to 黑料专区 as our new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, leading a new Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program across our Queensland services. [...]

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Supporting children鈥檚 behaviour starts with supporting the educators who care for them every day.

That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e excited to welcome聽Riley O鈥橬eill聽to 黑料专区 as our new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, leading a new Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program across our Queensland services.

The program is part of a three-year Queensland Government鈥揻unded initiative focused on strengthening educator capability, improving behaviour guidance practices, and supporting children鈥檚 wellbeing in early learning environments. But at its heart, this work is about something simple and powerful: helping educators feel confident, supported, and equipped in the moments that matter most.

Riley O'Neill, 黑料专区's new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach
Riley O'Neill, 黑料专区's new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

A coach who understands the realities of the floor

Riley brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, having worked across Australia, Taiwan, and Central America. He鈥檚 spent years on the floor as an Early Childhood Teacher and understands the fast pace, high expectations, and emotional load educators carry, alongside the joy and meaning of the work.

鈥淲hen educators feel supported, children feel it too,鈥 Riley says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been there - juggling routines, relationships, transitions, and behaviours all at once. My goal is to make educators鈥 days feel lighter, calmer, and more purposeful.鈥

Riley鈥檚 approach is evidence-informed, relational, and practical. He works alongside teams to build clarity and confidence, supporting educators to understand children鈥檚 needs through a trauma-informed lens and to create predictable, emotionally safe environments where everyone can thrive.

What the Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program looks like in practice

Delivered in partnership with Phoenix Support for Educators, the program is designed to embed consistent, evidence-informed behaviour guidance through coaching, modelling, and practical support, not one-off training sessions.

Across Queensland, Riley and the Behaviour Coaching team will support services by:

  • Visiting centres to observe and support children with ongoing or complex behaviours
  • Identifying underlying needs using the Phoenix Cups model
  • Coaching and modelling co-regulation, routines, transitions, and calm responses
  • Sharing practical strategies educators can apply immediately
  • Strengthening learning environments with visuals, predictable schedules, and purposeful planning
  • Providing follow-up conversations and tailored behaviour support plans
  • Facilitating reflective discussions and Phoenix-aligned professional learning

Over the life of the program, Affinity will also introduce a customised Behaviour Educator Toolkit, a hybrid coaching and mentoring model, annual symposiums, and a suite of practical resources, including podcasts, hard copy tools, and professional learning modules.

These supports are designed to help educators respond confidently to developmental, trauma-related, and complex behaviours, while continuing to meet the National Quality Standards and uphold 础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 commitment to high-quality early education.

Investing in educators to support children

黑料专区 CEO聽Glen Hurley聽says the program reflects a long-term commitment to educator wellbeing and capability.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to support our Queensland educators to build confident, consistent, wellbeing-focused approaches in their daily practice,鈥 Glen says. 鈥淭his work helps create emotionally safe, predictable, and connected learning environments where both children and educators can thrive.鈥

We鈥檙e proud to welcome Riley to the Affinity team and look forward to the positive impact this program will have across our Queensland centres.

For more information about the Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program, please contact the Education Team at聽education@affinityeducation.com.au.

To explore careers with 黑料专区, see current opportunities here.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

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]]> What Quality Early Learning Really Looks Like in 2026 /blog/what-quality-early-learning-really-looks-like-in-2026/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:22:56 +0000 /?p=21858 At 黑料专区, we work with families across Australia every day. We see the hopes, the questions, and sometimes the quiet uncertainty that comes with choosing care and early education for a child.
Now, in 2026, quality early learning isn鈥檛 about doing more.
It鈥檚 about doing the right things, consistently, with care and intention.
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For families choosing early learning today, the decision often feels heavier than it once did.

Parents are more informed. Expectations are higher. And alongside practical questions like location, hours and availability, there鈥檚 often a deeper one underneath it all:

鈥淗ow do I know this is genuinely good for my child?鈥

At 黑料专区, we work with families across Australia every day. We see the hopes, the questions, and sometimes the quiet uncertainty that comes with choosing early education and care.

Now, in 2026, quality early learning isn鈥檛 about doing more.

It鈥檚 about doing the right things, consistently, with care and intention.

Quality Childcare Starts With How Children Feel

Before learning can truly flourish, children need to feel safe, known and supported.

In high-quality early learning environments, this shows up in small but meaningful ways:

  • children who feel comfortable expressing their emotions
  • educators who know each child well - their temperament, interests and needs
  • calm, predictable routines that help children feel secure

When emotional safety is prioritised, children are more confident to explore, ask questions and try new things. Learning doesn鈥檛 need to be forced; it grows naturally from a sense of belonging.

This foundation matters just as much for babies as it does for preschoolers.

Early Learning That is Intentional, Not Rushed

In 2026, quality early learning is not about pushing children ahead or accelerating milestones before they鈥檙e ready.

Instead, it鈥檚 about learning experiences that are:

  • play-based, purposeful and age-appropriate
  • responsive to each child鈥檚 interests and strengths
  • guided by research and professional practice, not trends

础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 Lifelong Learning Curriculum supports children from birth through to school age, helping educators turn everyday moments, play, conversation, movement and exploration, into meaningful learning.

For families, this provides clarity. You can see what your child is learning, understand why it matters, and feel confident that their development is being supported in a thoughtful, balanced way.

In 2026, quality early learning is less about promises, and more about everyday practice.

Relationships Sit at the Heart of Quality

Ask families what they value most in early learning, and relationships are almost always at the top of the list.

Quality early learning environments are built on strong, respectful relationships between:

  • children and educators
  • educators and families
  • teams working together consistently

When educators are given the time and support to build these relationships, children feel secure and understood, and families feel confident that their child is truly known.

These relationships don鈥檛 happen by accident. They鈥檙e the result of stable teams, strong leadership and a culture that values connection as much as curriculum.

Educators Who are Supported Make the Difference

The quality of early learning is inseparable from the people delivering it.

Educators shape children鈥檚 earliest experiences, and supporting them well is essential. In 2026, quality early learning depends on educators who are:

  • well-trained and confident in their practice
  • supported by experienced leaders
  • given opportunities to learn, grow and build long-term careers

Families often tell us they can feel the difference when educators are supported, in the calm of the environment, the consistency of care, and the trust that develops over time.

For those considering a career in early childhood education, our Careers page outlines how Affinity supports educators through training, development and meaningful career pathways.

Safety, Trust and Accountability

In 2026, families rightly expect high standards when it comes to safety, wellbeing and accountability.

Quality early learning providers take a proactive approach, regularly reviewing practices, investing in training, and maintaining clear systems that protect children.

For families, trust grows when:

  • communication is open and transparent
  • questions are welcomed and answered thoughtfully
  • concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly

These practices don鈥檛 draw attention to themselves, but families notice them every day.

As expectations continue to rise across the sector, so too must the way early learning organisations listen, reflect and continuously improve.

Helping Families Recognise Quality with Confidence

Finding the right early learning environment is deeply personal. No two children, or families, are the same.

What matters most is having the confidence to recognise quality when you see it, ask the right questions, and choose a place that aligns with your values and your child鈥檚 needs.

Families can explore 黑料专区 centres across Australia using our Find a Centre tool,聽or speak with local teams who are always happy to talk through what quality looks like in practice.

Quality Early Learning, Now and Into the Future

Quality early learning isn鈥檛 static, even in 2026. It continues to evolve alongside research, community expectations and the changing needs of families.

At 黑料专区, our commitment remains simple and steady: to provide early learning environments where children feel safe, families feel confident, and educators are supported to do their best work.

Because when quality early learning is done well, it doesn鈥檛 need to be overstated, it鈥檚 felt, every day.

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]]> Celebrating Excellence Across Australia: Our 2025 Affinity Award Winners /blog/celebrating-excellence-across-australia-our-2025-affinity-award-winners/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:26:58 +0000 /?p=21851 Every year, the Affinity Awards give us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who bring our purpose to life every day.

The 2025 Affinity Awards, held in December, recognised outstanding educators, centre teams, leaders and support staff from right across Australia, from metropolitan centres to regional and remote communities. These awards celebrate excellence in early education, leadership, safety, teamwork and innovation, and reflect the very best of what it means to be part of 黑料专区.
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Every year, the Affinity Awards give us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who bring our purpose to life every day.

The 2025 Affinity Awards, held in December, recognised outstanding educators, centre teams, leaders and support staff from right across Australia, from metropolitan centres to regional and remote communities. These awards celebrate excellence in early education, leadership, safety, teamwork and innovation, and reflect the very best of what it means to be part of 黑料专区.

A National Celebration of Passion and Impact

This year鈥檚 winners represent centres and teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory. While their locations, roles and career stages may differ, every winner shares something in common: a deep commitment to children, families and each other.

From educators embedding our Lifelong Learning Curriculum in inspiring ways, to centre leadership teams building high-performing, supportive cultures, the 2025 Award winners demonstrate the real-world impact of 础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 values in action.

These awards celebrate:

  • Exceptional early childhood education and teaching practice
  • Strong, values-led leadership
  • Safety, compliance and quality excellence
  • Teamwork, collaboration and mentoring
  • Career progression and professional growth

Recognising the People Who Make the Difference

The Affinity Awards recognise both individual excellence and team achievement, including:

  • Educators at different career stages, from trainees through to senior educational leaders
  • Centre Managers and Assistant Centre Managers driving quality and culture
  • Cooks delivering nutritious meals that support children鈥檚 wellbeing
  • Centre teams achieving outstanding results in quality, safety, family satisfaction and demand
  • Leaders who support others to grow through mentoring and coaching

Each award is underpinned by data, feedback and peer recognition, reinforcing our belief that great outcomes are built on strong systems, strong values and great people.

Why Affinity? Because Potential Is Meant to Be Realised

At 黑料专区, our employee promise is 鈥淧otential, Realised.鈥 The 2025 Award winners are living proof of what鈥檚 possible when people are supported, trusted and invested in.

Across our network, educators are:

  • Accessing nationally supported training and development pathways
  • Growing their careers through the Affinity Learning Academy
  • Working in centres where quality, safety and wellbeing come first
  • Being recognised, locally and nationally, for the impact they make

Whether someone is just starting their career in early education or stepping into leadership, Affinity offers opportunities to learn, grow and be recognised at every stage.

2025 Affinity Award Winners

Being Completely Connected鈥 Aussie Kindies Kyabram N/A
Best Assistant Centre Manager Milestones Darwin City Charman Dancey
Best Centre Manager Milestones South Townsville Julie Louk
Cook of the Year Milestones Canning Vale Marie Blanche Marmitte
Creating Shining Stars Kids Academy Wyong N/A
Delivering Outstanding Professionalism鈥 Papilio Coombabah N/A
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year鈥 Kids Academy Erina Heights Debra Scarlett
Early Experiences Toddler Educator of the Year Milestones Bairnsdale - Dawson Street Lakmika Kannangara Arachchige
Educational Leader of the Year Milestones Wagaman Evelyn Zuniga Paredes
Excellence in Centre Performance聽 Milestones Tarneit N/A
Excellence in Early Education 鈥 Kids Academy Glenmore Park N/A
Excellence in Family Satisfaction鈥 Milestones Capalaba N/A
Excellence in People Leadership鈥 Milestones Moorebank Alicia Cuddy
Excellence in Quality聽鈥 Bright Beginnings Children's Centre N/A
Excellence in Safety and Compliance聽鈥 Papilio Currumbin Waters N/A
Going Above and Beyond鈥 Milestones Seaford N/A
Having Serious Fun鈥 Papilio Bundoora N/A
Healthy Beginnings Nursery Educator of the Year Milestones Yokine Thi Chau Giang Nguyen
Lead Educator of the Year鈥 Milestones Stretton Najung Kim
Living The Team Spirit鈥 Kids Academy Taigum N/A
Most Improved Centre Manager Kids Academy Kensington Agata Kaczmarek-Vlassakakis
Most Improved in Centre Performance鈥 Milestones Roma - Junior Campus N/A
Most Improved in Early Education Milestones Warana N/A
Most Improved in Family Satisfaction鈥 Kids Academy Regentville N/A
Most Improved in People Leadership鈥 Milestones Narangba N/A
Most Improved in Quality 鈥 Milestones Cooroy N/A
Most Improved in Safety and Compliance鈥 Milestones Wyndham Vale N/A
New: Reconciliation in Action Papilio Hunters Hill N/A
Safety Leaders of the Year鈥 Milestones Lynwood Treena Hussieni & Leanne Gosper
School Readiness Educator of the Year鈥 Kids Academy Phillip Roan Margaret Lucindo
Senior Educational Leader 鈥 Milestones Emerald Beach Deborah Keam
Trainee of the Year鈥 Papilio Turner Laure Pons
Best Area Manager 2025 Maddy Gooding
CEO's Choice Roshani Shetty

Inspired by Our Winners? Join Us.

As we celebrate our 2025 Award winners, we鈥檙e also looking ahead. Across Australia, our centres continue to grow, and we鈥檙e always looking for passionate educators, leaders and support team members who want to make a meaningful difference.

If you鈥檙e looking for:

  • A values-led organisation with a strong national community
  • Clear career pathways and development opportunities
  • Supportive leadership and high-quality learning environments
  • A workplace where your contribution is genuinely recognised

鈥hen we鈥檇 love you to explore a career with 黑料专区.

Explore current opportunities and join our national community:

Visit the 黑料专区 Careers page

Congratulations to Our 2025 Award Winners

To every individual and team recognised in the 2025 Affinity Awards - congratulations. Your dedication, professionalism and care shape the experiences of thousands of children and families across Australia, and inspire colleagues across our national network.

We are proud to celebrate you, and proud of what we can achieve together.

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]]> Find the Right Childcare Centre in Canberra for Your Family /blog/find-the-right-childcare-centre-in-canberra-for-your-family/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 03:17:44 +0000 /?p=21841 New to Canberra? Searching for trusted childcare for your child? You're in the right place. Whether you're settling in for work, study or a fresh start, this guide will help you explore 7 top-rated childcare centres across Canberra. We鈥檝e included centre highlights, real parent feedback, financial support info (like CCS and the 3 Day Guarantee), and an easy path to book a tour. [...]

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New to Canberra? Searching for trusted childcare for your child? You're in the right place.

Whether you're settling in for work, study or a fresh start, this guide will help you explore 7 top-rated childcare centres across Canberra. We鈥檝e included centre highlights, real parent feedback, financial support info (like CCS and the 3 Day Guarantee), and an easy path to book a tour.

Quick Links

Papilio Barton

Location: Inner South, near Parliament House

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: "Feels like home." Families praise the warm team and smooth transitions for new children.

Why you'll love it:

  • Boutique setting with long-standing educators
  • Large playground, chef-prepared meals
  • Preschool program aligned to ACT curriculum

Papilio Bruce

Location: Belconnen, near University of Canberra

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: "Like a second mum to my child." Outstanding care and covered outdoor play spaces.

Why you'll love it:

  • Covered outdoor yard for all-weather fun
  • Programs include music, art, Spanish and more
  • On-site chef and sustainability garden

Papilio Turner

Location: City North, near Braddon and Haig Park

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why Families Love It: Supportive staff and structured preschool preparation.

  • City-centre convenience
  • School transition support & strong local connections
  • Bright indoor-outdoor classrooms

Milestones Macquarie

Location: Macquarie, Belconnen region

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: "Stay-and-play made all the difference."

Why you'll love it:

  • Warm, familiar educators
  • Shaded outdoor yard and veggie garden
  • Tailored learning by age group

Kids Academy Rivett

Location: Weston Creek

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: Nature-rich play and long-term educator bonds.

Why you'll love it:聽

  • Huge outdoor play space with play aeroplane
  • Programs include Zumba, Indigenous workshops, Healthy Harold
  • Near schools & caf茅s, sustainability focus

Kids Academy Phillip

Location: Woden, near Westfield and public transport

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: Diverse team, fire truck playground and strong inclusion.

Why you'll love it:

  • Culturally diverse educators and community
  • Creative programs and regular incursions
  • Sustainability and garden-to-plate learning

Kids Academy Symonston

Location: Inner South / Jerrabomberra Avenue

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Why families love it: Safe, inclusive environment where kids thrive.

Why you'll love it:

  • Spacious play zones and sunny classrooms
  • Cultural celebrations and language inclusion
  • Preschool readiness and community links

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) & the 3 Day Guarantee

Most families in Canberra qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which could cover up to 90% of your fees.

Plus, starting January 2026, all eligible children will receive at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight (that's about 3 days/week), even if one parent isn鈥檛 working.

Ready to learn more? Speak to our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 or visit our Child Care Subsidy page.

Work With Us - Educators Welcome!

Are you an early childhood educator or teacher? We鈥檙e hiring passionate people in Canberra, from trainees to qualified teachers.

Benefits include:

  • Discounted childcare fees
  • Flexible hours
  • Career development via Affinity Learning Academy

View our current jobs

Book Your Tour Today

Each of our ACT centres is ready to meet you, and help your family feel at home. Book your visit online or call us on 1800 244 532. We can鈥檛 wait to welcome you and your little ones!

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]]> Nourishing Children Every Day: 黑料专区鈥檚 New Summer Menu Launches Nationwide /blog/nourishing-children-every-day-affinity-educations-new-summer-menu-launches-nationwide/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:52:42 +0000 /?p=21826 At 黑料专区, we believe high-quality early education is inseparable from high-quality nutrition. With children receiving up to 50% of their daily nutritional requirements while in care, our approach to food is a core part of how we support every child's wellbeing, learning and development. [...]

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At 黑料专区, we believe high-quality early education is inseparable from high-quality nutrition. With children receiving up to 50% of their daily nutritional requirements while in care, our approach to food is a core part of how we support every child's wellbeing, learning and development.

This summer, we are proud to roll out our refreshed Seasonal Healthy Menu across our national network of centres - Milestones Early Learning, Papilio Early Learning, Kids Academy Early Learning and Aussie Kindies Early Learning.

More than a menu, it reflects our commitment to sector-leading practice, meaningful partnerships, and giving every child the best start in life.

Quality Nutrition, Designed for Real Early Learning Environments

Our Seasonal Healthy Menu is shaped by:

  • The Australian Dietary Guidelines

  • National Quality Framework requirements

  • Research into early childhood nutrition

  • Our organisation鈥檚 dedication to continuous improvement

  • Practical insights from educators, cooks and centre teams

Children across our centres receive:

  • A balanced breakfast

  • Morning tea

  • A nutritious lunch

  • Afternoon tea

  • Water throughout the day

Each component is designed to support physical wellbeing, sustained energy for learning, emotional regulation and healthy habits that extend beyond early childhood.

Developed in Partnership With Leaders in Early Childhood Nutrition

To deliver a menu that is genuinely aligned with best practice, Affinity partnered with , Accredited Practising Dietitians with more than 10 years鈥 experience supporting early learning services across Australia.

Working closely with our team, they have helped develop a menu that is:

  • Evidence-based and balanced

  • Rich in iron, whole grains, vegetables and quality proteins

  • Designed to support cognitive development and physical growth

  • Practical for centre kitchens and adaptable across diverse communities

  • Inclusive of vegetarian, cultural and dietary needs

.

A Thoughtfully Crafted Summer Menu

Our summer menu features fresh seasonal produce and child-friendly flavours that reflect both cultural diversity and nutritional balance. While each centre adapts the menu to meet community needs, all follow our national framework.

A sample Week 1 menu includes:

  • Mild, protein-rich bowls served with fresh vegetables

  • Balanced pasta dishes incorporating whole grains

  • Colourful fruit, cheese and vegetable platters

  • Wholesome afternoon teas designed to build healthy habits

See Week One of our Summer Menu here.

For educators and cooks, the structure of the menu provides guidance, consistency and clarity, reducing stress and supporting smooth daily operations.

Supporting Educators Through Strong Systems & Training

础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 approach to nutrition is underpinned by systems and support that help educators succeed every day.

Our teams benefit from:

  • Clear menu guidelines and recipes designed for real ECE kitchen environments

  • Support from Head Office during implementation

  • Training,聽including food safety and allergy management

  • Consistent national processes that reduce confusion and build confidence

  • Resources for educators to promote positive mealtime interactions

When educators feel supported, children benefit, and centres operate more smoothly and safely.

Mealtimes as Learning Moments

Nutrition is integrated into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supporting all areas of early childhood development.

At Affinity centres, mealtimes are intentionally designed to promote:

  • Social and emotional learning

  • Independence and self-help skills

  • Language development

  • Sensory exploration

  • Cultural inclusivity

  • Positive relationships with food

Across our network, it鈥檚 common to see children sharing conversations about colours, textures and flavours, while educators model kindness, patience and curiosity.

A Purpose-Led Approach to Wellbeing

The launch of our Summer Menu reflects 础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 broader commitment to quality, child safety and educator empowerment.

It demonstrates our values in action:

  • We believe in our people - Educators and cooks are supported with training, resources and strong systems.

  • We believe in evidence-based practice - Our menu reflects sector-leading nutritional guidelines and expert partnerships.

  • We believe children deserve the best - Whether a child is trying a new food for the first time or enjoying a familiar favourite, every meal is an opportunity for nourishment, learning and connection.

Learn More 黑料专区 黑料专区

Explore how our people, curriculum and programs work together to give every child the best start in life.

www.affinityeducation.com.au

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]]> CCS Reform 2026: What the 3 Day Guarantee Means for Early Education Providers, Educators and Families /blog/ccs-reform-2026-what-the-3-day-guarantee-means-for-early-education-providers-educators-and-families/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:54:37 +0000 /?p=21817 From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce one of the most significant Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reforms in recent years - the 3 Day Guarantee, providing eligible families with 72 subsidised hours of early learning per fortnight, regardless of their activity test result. [...]

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From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce one of the most significant Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reforms in recent years - the 3 Day Guarantee, providing eligible families with 72 subsidised hours of early learning per fortnight, regardless of their activity test result.

For families, this change increases access to early education.

For services, it represents an important moment of transition.

And for educators, it reinforces the essential role high-quality early learning plays in a child鈥檚 life.

At 黑料专区, we鈥檙e committed to supporting our people, our teams and the families we serve through this change, with clarity, confidence and a strong focus on quality.

What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?

The reform ensures that CCS-eligible families with a child under school age will have access to a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised early learning per fortnight (around three days per week).

Currently, families who do not meet the CCS activity test receive only 24 hours - the equivalent of roughly one day of care.

From January 2026, this increases significantly, expanding access to early education nationwide.

Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy here.

Why This Reform Matters for the Sector

1. Increased Access to Quality Early Learning

More children will benefit from consistent participation in early education, particularly those who previously attended only one day per week.

This is expected to:

  • strengthen early language, social and emotional development
  • support continuity of learning
  • reduce transitions that can be challenging for young children
  • promote equity for children and families across diverse backgrounds

Discover the benefits of quality child care and early education here.

2. More Stability for Families and Services

The 3 Day Guarantee provides a baseline of subsidised hours, reducing the impact of fluctuating activity hours for parents working casually or intermittently.

This stability helps families plan ahead and supports long-term enrolment patterns for services.

3. Workforce and Capacity Considerations

With demand expected to increase in 2026, services across Australia are preparing for:

  • potential increases in enrolment requests
  • higher demand for places in the 0-3 age groups
  • the need for ongoing educator recruitment, training and retention
  • careful room planning to maintain quality and compliance

础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 Learning Academy, our Centre Support teams, and our robust national recruitment pipeline will continue supporting centres through this transition.

Search career opportunities at 黑料专区 here.

What the 3 Day Guarantee Means for Affinity Employees and Educators

Educators and early childhood teachers will play a central role in supporting children settling into new routines and attending more consistently.

This may involve:

  • building new relationships with children who increase their days
  • supporting additional orientation visits
  • revisiting routines and expectations for consistency
  • delivering predictable, high-quality learning experiences
  • partnering closely with families during the transition

础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 Quality, Education and Compliance teams will continue providing resources, communication templates, and professional development as the reform takes effect.

What This Means for Families Across Our Centres

For families enrolled in 黑料专区 centres, including Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies, the key impacts include:

More Flexibility and Stability

Families who previously relied on one subsidised day may now access up to three.

This opens the door to more consistent routines, stronger relationships with educators, and richer learning experiences.

No Negative Impact for Families Already Using 3-5 Days

Families who previously relied on one subsidised day may now access up to three.

This opens the door to more consistent routines, stronger relationships with educators, and richer learning experiences.

Predictability Around Fees

For some families, increasing subsidised hours may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

For others, fees will remain stable - the Guarantee does not reduce existing entitlements.

Preparing for 2026: 础蹿蹿颈苍颈迟测鈥檚 Approach

To support our national community of practice, Affinity will continue to:

1. Provide Clear, Consistent Information

We will keep families and educators updated as Services Australia releases additional guidance.

2. Support Workforce Capacity and Development

Our Affinity Learning Academy will continue delivering high-quality training and onboarding to ensure we have the educators needed to meet future demand.

3. Ensure High Standards of Safety and Compliance

All Affinity centres continue to operate at high standards, with regular audits and strong Quality, Education and Compliance oversight.

4. Prioritise the Child鈥檚 Experience

More consistent attendance supports our work in delivering the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, encouraging stronger bonds, smoother routines, and deeper learning outcomes.

We鈥檙e Here to Support Our People and Our Families

As Australia prepares for the 3 Day Guarantee, 黑料专区 is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our educators, teachers, centre leaders and families.

We will continue to share updates, resources and support as further information is released by the Government.

For questions or support, please reach out to your Centre Manager or our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532.

Together, we can help ensure every child receives the consistent, high-quality early education they deserve, now and into 2026 and beyond.

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