Partnerships
At Affinity Education, we are proud to partner with leading organisations that share our commitment to supporting children, families, and communities.
Our valued partnerships with The Smith Family, The Pyjama Foundation, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Australian Breastfeeding Association, Wandana Aboriginal Education, University of Wollongong, and Southern Cross University enable us to provide enriched learning experiences and resources the children in our care, educators and wider team.
Through these collaborations, we enhance our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, foster educational research, promote inclusion and sustainability, and provide vital support services, all contributing to the overall wellbeing and development of the children and families we serve.
The Smith Family
Affinity Education Group commenced its partnership with The Smith Family in 2022 by establishing a ‘one child sponsorship per centre’ commitment for the Learning for Life program. The commitment aligns with Affinity's Lifelong Learning Curriculum and goes beyond early education to support young people experiencing disadvantage in remaining engaged in their education.
To date, Affinity’s impact has included more than 240 children receiving support through the Learning for Life program, improving educational outcomes for young Australians in need.
Children can access education essentials through the Learning for Life program, including textbooks, uniforms, and excursions. A designated Family Partnerships Coordinator from The Smith Family works closely with the student and their family, and practical support is offered through access to various short learning and mentoring programs.
Students supported by Affinity have participated in programs including Digital Learning Essentials, Future Seekers, Learning Clubs, student2student, and Passport. Each program empowers young people to harness education and build skills to unlock their true potential.
The Pyjama Foundation
Motivated by the passion of one of our own employees, Zoe Aubry, Affinity Education Group commenced a national support program for The Pyjama Foundation in 2022. Since that time, the company has raised close to $100,000 to support children in foster care, through fabulous centre based activities and events held during the week of ‘Pyjama Day’ each year.
Our CEO Tim supports the initiative by matching the donations of the highest fundraising centre each year – our current reigning champion is Milestones Early Learning Cranbourne North who raised more than $2,000 in September 2024.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
In 2022 Affinity Education Group became the first national early education and child care employer and provider to achieve accreditation with The Australian Breastfeeding Association. The commitment influences our employee policies, established breastfeeding friendly zones in our staff rooms and Centre Support Office, and a dedicated parenting support team for breastfeeding mothers returning to work while breastfeeding.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy
In an exciting Australia-first for the ECEC sector, Affinity Education Group partners with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) to offer an early educational program and fundraising initiatives to support the awareness and preservation efforts of some of Australia’s most critically endangered wildlife species.
Since 2023, the ‘Aussie Wildlife Champions’ program has been taught within our School Readiness classrooms, offering children early and unique awareness of Australia’s biodiversity and providing invaluable resources for educators and teachers. Affinity’s centre teams also host ‘Seriously Fun’ wildlife dress up days annually, raising thousands of dollars for the work of the AWC to continue.
Wandana Aboriginal Education
Affinity Education is proud to partner with Wandana Aboriginal Education to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australia’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture. Through this collaboration, we incorporate meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander perspectives into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, ensuring that children in our care grow up with a strong sense of connection to the land and its First Nations peoples. Our commitment to respectful Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander education helps build cultural awareness, inclusivity, and respect among children, families, and educators across our centres. Together, we are nurturing a generation that values diversity and embraces reconciliation.
University Of Wollongong
Affinity Education has partnered with the University of Wollongong to integrate The Early Years Toolbox into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. This evidence-based assessment supports our educators in tracking and enhancing the cognitive and developmental progress of children in 5 key foundational learning areas. By using the Early Years Toolbox, we ensure that every child receives tailored, high-quality learning experiences that foster essential skills like attention, memory, and self-regulation, setting a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Southern Cross University
Affinity Education has partnered with Southern Cross University to bring the Big Thinkers STEM program into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. This exciting program, co-written by Dr. Tess Boyle, encourages young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving. By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, the Big Thinkers STEM program helps children develop a strong foundation in these essential areas, preparing them for future academic success and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.