At 黑料专区, we know that great educators build great futures. That鈥檚 why, in July 2025, our Education Team partnered with to design and deliver a new series of funded professional development workshops focused on educator wellbeing, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.
Between September and October 2025, more than 4,800 Affinity team members, from trainees and educators to early childhood teachers and centre leadership teams, took part in over 200 workshops hosted across Australia.
These sessions formed part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing a highly skilled, confident, and supported workforce that delivers exceptional education and care to children and families every day.
A National Initiative with a Shared Purpose
The workshop series, titled 鈥淣urturing, Safe and Positive Interactions with Children,鈥� was a natural evolution of a pre-existing online module developed in partnership with Dr Lesley Jones in 2023. Updated with the latest insights from neuroscience and best practice guidance for the early education sector, the program focused on building emotionally safe and trusting relationships between educators and children.
Facilitated by Affinity鈥檚 Quality and Education Advisors, alongside Affinity Learning Academy Development Coaches, the sessions encouraged collaboration, open reflection, and practical learning.
鈥淭his year has been difficult for our sector, and especially for many of our educators who do amazing work with children every day,鈥� said Katie Hancock, National Education Manager at Affinity. 鈥淭he intention behind this series was to show how much we believe in our people and the work they do. Providing paid, in-person learning with the support of our executive team made this a truly meaningful experience.鈥�
Collaboration with Phoenix Support for Educators
Affinity was proud to partner with Sandi Phoenix, one of Australia鈥檚 leading wellbeing specialists in early childhood education, and her team at Phoenix Support for Educators. Together, they co-created a series that blended theory and practice to strengthen educators鈥� emotional safety, self-reflection, and daily interactions with children.
鈥淲e focused on practical strategies for reflective practice and emotionally safe interactions,鈥� explained Sandi Phoenix. 鈥淭hese sessions offered educators the time and space to reconnect with their purpose and strengthen relationships with children and colleagues. Affinity鈥檚 Education team showed a genuine dedication to supporting educators鈥� growth, confidence, and wellbeing.鈥�
Learning Together, Growing Together
For many participants, the workshops were an opportunity to pause, share, and rediscover the joy at the heart of early education.
Molly Ham, a Queensland-based facilitator, reflected:
鈥淚t was a wonderful opportunity to align our shared vision and enrich our educator toolkit with new strategies and resources. The energy and willingness of everyone to share ideas, challenges, and successes truly demonstrated the strength of our Affinity community. Remember, say what you see, and ask a question - it鈥檚 a simple strategy that can have a powerful effect.鈥�
The impact was felt immediately across centres. Autumn Haley, Centre Manager at , shared:
鈥淎fter just two training sessions, I鈥檝e already seen a big difference in the way educators interact with children. There鈥檚 more positive praise, meaningful discussions about consent, and calm, engaging environments. The children are responding in such positive ways, it鈥檚 been amazing to see.鈥�
A Lasting Impact
Affinity鈥檚 2025 professional development series is a testament to our ongoing investment in people. By creating space for connection, reflection, and collaboration, we鈥檙e strengthening the foundation for quality early education across Australia, one educator at a time.
As Katie Hancock noted, 鈥淲hen educators feel valued, confident, and supported, children thrive. That鈥檚 what drives everything we do.鈥�
黑料专区 黑料专区
黑料专区 is one of Australia鈥檚 largest providers of early childhood education and care, operating over 240 centres nationwide. Through our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we鈥檙e proud to deliver quality education supported by evidence-based professional development for our educators and leaders.
Explore a career with 黑料专区 and join a team where professional development is prioritised.