Early Learning Articles | ��ר��

How Our Centres Celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime 2026

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:38:13 +0000

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

Foyer display at Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre

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 ��ר�� centre.

The post How Our Centres Celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 appeared first on ��ר��.

National Reconciliation Week 2026: Walking Alongside First Nations Communities in Early Learning

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

��ר��'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.

The post National Reconciliation Week 2026: Walking Alongside First Nations Communities in Early Learning appeared first on ��ר��.

What Is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, and What Does It Mean for Your Child Every Day?

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 11 May 2026 00:34:26 +0000

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 ��ר��'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 ��ר�� centre to arrange a tour.

The post What Is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, and What Does It Mean for Your Child Every Day? appeared first on ��ר��.

Welcoming Our New Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, Riley O’Neill

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:13:45 +0000

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

That’s why we’re excited to welcome��Riley O’Neill��to ��ר�� 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–funded initiative focused on strengthening educator capability, improving behaviour guidance practices, and supporting children’s 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, ��ר��'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’s 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.

“When educators feel supported, children feel it too,” Riley says. “I’ve been there - juggling routines, relationships, transitions, and behaviours all at once. My goal is to make educators’ days feel lighter, calmer, and more purposeful.”

Riley’s approach is evidence-informed, relational, and practical. He works alongside teams to build clarity and confidence, supporting educators to understand children’s 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 ��ڴھ��Ծ��ٲ�’s commitment to high-quality early education.

Investing in educators to support children

��ר�� CEO��Glen Hurley��says the program reflects a long-term commitment to educator wellbeing and capability.

“We’re excited to support our Queensland educators to build confident, consistent, wellbeing-focused approaches in their daily practice,” Glen says. “This work helps create emotionally safe, predictable, and connected learning environments where both children and educators can thrive.”

We’re 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��education@affinityeducation.com.au.

To explore careers with ��ר��, see current opportunities here.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

The post Welcoming Our New Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, Riley O’Neill appeared first on ��ר��.

Supporting Children Through Transitions: How Routines and Reassurance Build Confidence

��ר��'s Education Team — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:41:48 +0000

Transitions are a natural part of early childhood, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy.��

Whether a child is starting childcare for the first time, moving into a new room, or preparing for the transition to kindergarten or school, change can feel big. New environments, new expectations and new relationships can all impact how secure a child feels.��

Many families tell us that transitions feel harder than they expected, even when everything is going “well”. That’s completely normal. With the right support, these moments of change can become positive, confidence-building experiences.��

Why transitions can feel challenging for young children

Young children rely on familiarity to feel safe. When routines or environments change, it’s common for children to express uncertainty through emotions or behaviour, not because something is wrong, but because they’re adjusting.��

Research consistently shows that emotional regulation plays a key role in how children cope with transitions and adapt to new learning environments. Children who feel emotionally supported during times of change are more likely to engage positively with peers,��educators��and learning experiences.��

At the heart of this support is emotional safety, and routines are one of the most effective ways to provide it.��

The role of routines in supporting transitions

Routines give children a sense of predictability during uncertain moments. Knowing what comes next helps reduce anxiety and supports self-regulation.��

Consistent routines:��

Create a sense of safety and belonging��
Help children manage big emotions��
Support independence and confidence��
Allow children to focus on learning rather than uncertainty��

��recognises that predictable routines and responsive relationships support children’s wellbeing and sense of identity, particularly during periods of change.��

At ��ר��, predictable routines and responsive relationships are intentionally embedded within our��Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supporting children’s wellbeing and sense of belonging, particularly during periods of change.��

How educators support smooth transitions

In early learning settings, transitions are most successful when they are intentional and child-centred.��

Educators support children through transitions by:��

Building strong, trusting relationships before and during change��
Gradually introducing new rooms,��routines��or educators��
Maintaining familiar rhythms throughout the day��
Working closely with families to understand each child’s needs,��routines��and cues��

For children��preparing for primary school, these transition supports are part of a broader focus on confidence, independence, and emotional readiness. ��

When children feel known, supported and understood, transitions become less about what they’re leaving behind and more about what they’re growing into.��

How families can support transitions at home

Families play a vital role in helping children navigate change with confidence.��

Practical ways families can support transitions include:��

Talking calmly and positively about upcoming changes��
Keeping key routines consistent at home��
Using clear, confident goodbyes (even when��it’s��hard)��
Acknowledging children’s feelings without trying to rush or fix them��

Predictable routines and emotionally responsive caregiving help children feel safe as they��adjust and��help them build the skills they need to manage change over time.��

Transitions take time, and that’s okay

There’s��no “right” way for a child to transition. Some children settle quickly; others need more time. Both are completely normal.��

What matters most is that children feel:��

Safe��
Supported��
Understood��
Confident that they belong��

When transitions are supported with consistency, care and collaboration between families and educators, children��don’t��just��adjust;��they build confidence, resilience and trust that carry into everything that comes next.��

The post Supporting Children Through Transitions: How Routines and Reassurance Build Confidence appeared first on ��ר��.

What Quality Early Learning Really Looks Like in 2026

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:22:56 +0000

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’s often a deeper one underneath it all:

“How do I know this is genuinely good for my child?”

At ��ר��, 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’t about doing more.

It’s 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’t 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’re ready.

Instead, it’s about learning experiences that are:

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

��ڴھ��Ծ��ٲ�’s 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’t happen by accident. They’re 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’s 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’t 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’s needs.

Families can explore ��ר�� centres across Australia using our Find a Centre tool,��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’t static, even in 2026. It continues to evolve alongside research, community expectations and the changing needs of families.

At ��ר��, 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’t need to be overstated, it’s felt, every day.

The post What Quality Early Learning Really Looks Like in 2026 appeared first on ��ר��.

Celebrating Children’s Week 2025: Empowering Every Child to Know Their Rights��

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:06:14 +0000

In every ��ר�� centre, moments of curiosity and connection happen daily – a child sharing an idea, working with a friend, or proudly reflecting on what they’ve learned. (18-26 October 2025) shines a spotlight on these everyday moments and reminds us why they matter: because every child deserves to be heard, respected, and supported as they learn and grow.��

“Children’s Week celebrates the rights, talents, and achievements of all children. It’s a time for families, educators, and communities to recognise the importance of children having a voice, feeling valued, and growing up in safe, respectful environments,” said ��ר�� Team Manager Katie Hancock.��

“Together as ��ר��, we build a community where every child feels heard, respected, and valued.”��

This year’s national theme, “Everyone should know about children’s rights!” is based on Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the global commitment to ensuring that children and adults everywhere understand and uphold the rights that help children thrive.��

For Affinity, this theme reflects the foundation of our work: nurturing confident, capable learners who know their worth and feel empowered to make a difference in their world.��

Strengthening Children’s Voice and Choice

To mark Children’s Week, our Education Team has launched a national focus project encouraging educators across all Affinity centres to increase their use of floor books, a collaborative tool that supports children’s Voice and Choice.��

“Floor books empower children to express their ideas, interests, and reflections through drawings, photos, and conversations,” explains Education Advisor Jessica Markoska.��

“It’s exciting to see children and educators co-construct knowledge by documenting shared experiences. It really fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.”��

Floor books give educators a tangible way to capture children’s thinking and progress, while promoting Inquiry-Based Learning, a cornerstone of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. They reflect how children learn best –��through play, exploration, and collaboration.��

“Floor books are a strong way to demonstrate the Early Years Learning Framework principle of ‘learning through play’, and support important quality outcomes such as children being curious and resourceful,” Jessica said.��

Some centres are also using floor books to strengthen relationships with families, inviting them to contribute ideas or see their child’s learning journey firsthand, supporting the principles of partnerships and respect for diversity.��

Celebrating in Centres Across Australia

Across more than 240 ��ר�� centres, educators are marking Children’s Week with experiences that help children understand their rights in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.��

At in Queensland, for example, the team is hosting a Children’s Week community event led by Early Childhood Teacher Serena Lucas, in partnership with local children’s organisations.��

“We are so proud of our commitment and grateful for the opportunity to provide education to children in their first five years,” Serena said.��

“��ڴھ��Ծ��ٲ�’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum is something we’ve deeply embedded for all age groups in our centre, particularly in our Kindergarten room where children are encouraged to understand and know their rights.”��

These celebrations bring together families, children, and educators, creating moments that highlight belonging, respect, and the joy of learning together.��

A Shared Responsibility

National Quality Manager Mel Nour says Children’s Week is also a timely reminder of the important role educators play in upholding children’s rights and voices.��

“National Children’s Week reminds us of our role as early childhood educators to uphold children’s rights and voices, reflecting the core principles of the National Quality Framework, which places children’s agency, participation, and wellbeing at the heart of quality education and care,” Mel said.��

At ��ר��, we’re proud to champion these values in every aspect of our work, from curriculum and pedagogy to family partnerships and educator development. By listening to children and empowering them to share their ideas, we’re helping shape confident learners who will carry that sense of agency throughout life.

Learn More

To explore this year’s national theme and access free resources about children’s rights, visit .��

Every child has a right to feel safe, valued, and heard, and every educator has the power to make that happen.��

If you’re passionate about shaping meaningful learning experiences and want to be part of a purpose-led community, learn more about joining ��ר��.��

The post Celebrating Children’s Week 2025: Empowering Every Child to Know Their Rights�� appeared first on ��ר��.

Book Week 2025: Celebrating the Joy of Stories Across ��ר�� Centres

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

There’s something truly special about the moment a child becomes absorbed in a story. The way their eyes widen at a plot twist, their giggles when a favourite character appears, and the proud smile when they remember a line by heart - these are moments that shape their love for learning.

From Saturday, 16 August to Saturday, 23 August 2025, Book Week will be celebrated across Australia. For ��ר��, it’s more than a date on the calendar, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the joy, connection, and growth that come from reading in the early years.

The Theme for 2025: “Book an Adventure”

The��has announced the theme for Book Week 2025 as��"Book an Adventure", a beautiful reminder that every story is a ticket to somewhere new.

For young children, that adventure might be:

Meeting animals in faraway jungles
Travelling to the moon without leaving the lounge room
Exploring everyday life through the eyes of a character just like them

At ��ר��, this theme captures exactly what we believe about learning in the early years - adventure is everywhere when a child has a story in their hands and an imagination ready to soar.

Why Reading Matters in the Early Years

The benefits of reading to children aged 0-5 are powerful and lasting. Research shows that regular exposure to books can:

Boost language development - Every story introduces new words, sounds, and sentence patterns.
Build imagination and creativity - Children learn to picture worlds beyond what they see every day.
Support social and emotional growth - Stories help children understand feelings, relationships, and different perspectives.
Lay the foundation for lifelong learning - A love of books in the early years often leads to greater engagement and confidence at school.

For families, sharing books is also a way to connect - slowing down together, talking about the pictures, and letting children’s questions guide the conversation.

How ��ר�� Celebrates Book Week

Across our��ר�� centres, Book Week is a week of colour, creativity, and shared experiences. While each centre celebrates in its own unique way, you can expect:

Dress-up days��inspired by favourite book characters
Storytime experiences��with both classic and new titles
Themed learning and play��inspired by the Book Week theme
Opportunities for families to be involved, such as sharing a favourite book from home

It’s a week where stories leap off the page and into children’s play, conversations, and imaginations, creating memories that last long after the costumes are packed away.

Celebrating Together - At the Centre and at Home

While Book Week is a highlight on the calendar, its magic can continue at home all year round. Families can:

Visit the local library and borrow books together
Create a cosy reading space with cushions and a small selection of books
Let children choose books based on their current interests, whether that’s animals, space, or fairy tales
Talk about the stories, asking questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the character feels?”

These simple moments help children see books not just as something to read, but as something to enjoy, share, and treasure.

A Celebration of Connection, Curiosity, and Creativity

Book Week 2025 is a chance for our educators, families, and communities to come together in celebration of one of the most important gifts we can give children - a love for reading.

At��ר��, we know that when children develop a strong connection to books in their earliest years, they are building skills and confidence for life.

Mark your calendar: Saturday, 16 August to Saturday, 23 August 2025.

Whether you’re a parent reading a bedtime story, an educator leading storytime in a bustling classroom, or a child choosing a book for the very first time, you’re part of something extraordinary - helping shape a lifelong love of learning.

Learn more about our Lifelong Learning Curriculum��and how literacy is nurtured in our centres from the nursery years through to school readiness.

The post Book Week 2025: Celebrating the Joy of Stories Across ��ר�� Centres appeared first on ��ר��.

Celebrating National Science Week: How Early Childhood Educators Spark a Love of Discovery

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Inspiring Australia’s next generation of critical thinkers starts long before primary school - it starts with our early childhood educators.

Each year,��celebrates the vital role science plays in our lives and the people who inspire us to explore the unknown. This year’s theme,��“Decoding the Universe: Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language”, invites Australians of all ages to discover the patterns, connections, and mysteries that shape our natural world.

While this theme is primarily aimed at schools, its essence is deeply relevant to early childhood education. At ��ר��, we believe the journey of scientific discovery begins in the sandpit, during a nature walk, or with a simple question like,��“What do you think will happen if we pour this here?”

Everyday Science, Big Thinking

You don’t need test tubes and whiteboards to teach science in the early years. You need time, space, and skilled educators who know how to spark curiosity.

Through our��, educators create environments where children are encouraged to explore, observe, question, and experiment. Our��Big Thinkers STEM��program, embedded in our preschool and kindergarten rooms, equips children with the tools and language to:

Test ideas
Investigate change
Build confidence in their thinking

Whether a toddler is stacking blocks to build the tallest tower or a kindergarten child is watching rainwater flow through a gutter, they’re not “just playing”, they’re decoding how the world works.

The Role of the Educator

Our educators shape how children experience science, not as a subject, but as a way of thinking. They:

Encourage curiosity and creativity
Ask open-ended questions
Support risk-taking and persistence
Celebrate the process, not just the “right” answer
Help children connect what they see to what they wonder

These approaches lay the foundation for��critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation -��skills that will support children for life.

Science Week in Our Centres

Across ��ר�� centres, educators are embracing National Science Week with experiences that bring nature, movement, and investigation into focus. Some examples include:

Volcano eruptions��in the sandpit
Colour mixing experiments��in art spaces
Sensory tables��exploring textures and materials
Garden explorations��to observe growth and change

These activities are thoughtfully designed to suit each child’s developmental stage, nurturing��curiosity, observation, and collaboration. And the best part? They’re not limited to one week! These inquiry-driven moments are part of everyday life in our centres.

Why Science in the Early Years Matters

Early exposure to science builds more than factual knowledge - it fosters a mindset of exploration, resilience, and creativity. When children learn to ask “what if?” and test their ideas, they’re developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

For educators, it’s a chance to see the world through fresh eyes and play an active role in shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

A Thank You to Our Educators

National Science Week is a reminder that science is everywhere, and discovery starts early. The dedication of our early childhood educators is laying the foundation for the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and change-makers.

Thank you for asking the big questions, for welcoming mess and wonder, and for helping children make sense of the world one discovery at a time.

Explore Your Future with ��ר��

If you’re passionate about sparking curiosity and supporting children’s learning, a career in early childhood education could be your calling. At ��ר��, we provide:

Award-winning professional development through the��Affinity Learning Academy
Opportunities to specialise in STEM and inquiry-based learning
A supportive, purpose-led team environment

Discover Careers at ��ר����and start your journey as an educator shaping Australia’s future thinkers.

The post Celebrating National Science Week: How Early Childhood Educators Spark a Love of Discovery appeared first on ��ר��.

Should I Send My Child to Childcare? Understanding the Benefits for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:11:48 +0000

Post updated June 2025.

For many families, choosing whether to enrol a child in care is one of the biggest early parenting decisions. Is childcare the right choice for your baby or toddler? Will it help your kindergartener/preschooler get ready for school, or is it better to wait until they’re older?

At ��ר��, we know this decision is deeply personal. And we also know how transformative high-quality early education can be for children’s development, wellbeing and confidence.

Here’s what the research says about the benefits of early childhood education, broken down by age group, and why thousands of families across Australia trust ��ר��’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum to give their child the very best start in life.

The Benefits of Childcare for Babies (0-1 Years)

It’s natural to wonder whether a baby is “too young” for childcare. But with the right environment and nurturing educators, even the youngest children can thrive in care.

At ��ר�� centres, our approach to caring for babies is grounded in attachment-based, relationship-focused practice. ��ܰ� Healthy Beginnings program creates a home-away-from-home where each baby’s routines, cues and needs are honoured.

Here’s how babies benefit from a high-quality childcare environment:

Emotional security and responsive care: Babies need to feel safe and seen. Through consistent, loving interactions with educators, babies in child care develop strong bonds that help build trust, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Sensory-rich exploration: Babies are born ready to learn. In a purposefully designed environment, they engage with gentle sights, sounds, textures and people that stimulate their curiosity and support cognitive development.
Movement and motor skill development: From tummy time to crawling tracks, our nursery rooms support physical growth in safe, age-appropriate ways, helping babies build the strength and coordination they need to reach key milestones.

Learn more about our approach to safe and supportive baby care.

Why Childcare Is So Beneficial for Toddlers (1-3 Years)

Toddlers are on the move, full of energy, questions and big feelings. Childcare at this age can be a game-changer, providing both structure and freedom to explore.

��ܰ� Early Experiences program supports toddlers through carefully designed learning zones that encourage movement, creativity, social interaction and early language.

Here’s how toddlers grow and thrive in childcare:

Language development through conversation and play: Every story read, every song sung, every chat during play builds toddlers’ vocabulary and confidence. Research shows that rich, everyday language exposure helps lay the foundation for literacy.
Social skills and emotional learning: In care, toddlers learn to share, take turns and express their emotions in a safe, supportive space. These early social interactions nurture empathy, cooperation and emotional regulation.
Active play and gross motor development: Whether they’re climbing, balancing or dancing, toddlers need space to move. ��ܰ� Move and Groove Zones support coordination and strength through joyful movement and music.

See how we support toddler growth in our Early Experiences program.

Kindergarteners/Preschoolers (3-5 Years): Building Confidence, Curiosity and School Readiness

By age three, children are ready for more structured learning, but play is still at the heart of how they grow. Our preschool and kindergarten programs blend intentional teaching with hands-on experiences that prepare children for the transition to school.

Through our School Readiness program, we support every child’s journey with kindness, curiosity and challenge.

Key benefits include:

Early literacy and numeracy skills: Children build confidence through age-appropriate learning in phonics, writing, counting and problem-solving, all delivered through play-based, inquiry-driven projects.
Independence, teamwork and resilience: Learning how to be part of a group, manage friendships, and work through challenges prepares children not only for school, but for life.
Inquiry-based learning that builds curiosity: From STEM experiments to sustainability projects, preschoolers at Affinity centres are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas and follow their interests.

Explore our school readiness approach in our Preschool and Kindergarten programs.

Childcare vs. Staying at Home: What’s Best?

Every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s how quality childcare compares to staying home across a few key areas:

Factor	Childcare	Staying Home
Social Interaction	Daily interaction with peers and trained educators.	Usually limited to family.
Learning Activities	Structured, age-appropriate curriculum and play-based learning.	Depends on time and resources.
School Readiness	Support in early literacy, numeracy, emotional and social skills.	May require extra planning or external programs.
Physical Development	Purpose-built environments that encourage movement and exploration.	Depends on space and supervision.

Ultimately, quality childcare provides consistency, community, and a strong developmental foundation, especially when led by qualified educators and guided by a proven early education curriculum.

What Sets ��ר�� Apart?

At the heart of every ��ר�� centre is our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum. Drawing on proven educational theories and modern child development research, it’s designed to meet the needs of today’s children, and support educators to deliver exceptional care.

What makes it different:

Grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework
Focused on holistic growth - emotional, social, physical and cognitive
Designed for every age and stage, from infancy to school readiness
Delivered by passionate, qualified educators supported by a national team of experts

Learn more about how our curriculum supports children at every stage of development. Explore the Lifelong Learning Curriculum.

For Educators: A Curriculum You’ll Be Proud to Deliver

Whether you’re an experienced early childhood educator or just starting your career, ��ר�� offers more than a job - it’s a place where your skills and passion are valued, and where you’re supported to keep growing.

You’ll be part of a national team of educators who believe deeply in the power of early education to shape lives. With access to our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, ongoing professional development, and strong support from our Quality and Education teams, you’ll have everything you need to deliver meaningful learning experiences and feel proud of the work you do each day.

Discover career opportunities at ��ר��

A Commitment to Safety and Quality You Can Trust

With over 250 centres, we’re proud to serve families in both urban and rural communities across Australia, providing high-quality care that families can rely on.

Every ��ר�� centre follows robust safety protocols and is supported by our dedicated Quality and Compliance teams, who ensure our standards remain consistently high.

Our educators are passionate, professional, and always learning. Through the Affinity Learning Academy, our team members have access to ongoing training and development opportunities that support them to grow in their careers and provide the very best care and education for every child.

Whether you’re exploring care for the first time, returning to work, or considering a new centre, we invite you to book a tour and experience the Affinity difference for yourself.

The post Should I Send My Child to Childcare? Understanding the Benefits for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers appeared first on ��ר��.

Early Learning Articles | ����ר��