Exceeding Expectations: How Papilio Point Cook Brings the National Quality Standard to Life
The Power of Mentorship in Early Childhood Education
Behind every confident educator is a story—of someone who took the time to guide, support, and believe in them.
Maybe you’re just starting out. Maybe you’ve been in early education for a few years and wonder what’s next. Wherever you are—this story is for you.
In early childhood education, mentorship is more than just professional development. It’s a powerful relationship that helps educators thrive—personally, professionally, and emotionally. Whether it’s a Centre Manager offering gentle guidance, or a fellow educator lending support through a tough day, mentorship creates a ripple effect that reaches children, families, and the broader community.
At Affinity Education, we’ve seen how mentorship can turn potential into purpose—and how the simplest connections can shape long-term careers.
Supporting Our Educators, Empowering Our Children: A New Coaching Series with Dr Kaylene Henderson
At Affinity Education Group, we know that calm, confident educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the next phase of our Safety Starts With Me initiative — a new educator coaching video series developed in partnership with respected Australian Child Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson.
Nourishing Little Learners: Our Winter Menu Has Arrived
It’s 11:30am on a chilly Tuesday, and the toddler room is buzzing. Children are washing their hands, finding their seats, and chatting about what’s for lunch. Over in the kitchen, today’s meal—minestrone soup with cheesy garlic bread—is being served with care, and one child proudly exclaims, “I helped stir that!”
At Affinity Education, moments like this happen every day. And they’re a reflection of something deeper: our commitment to safety, wellbeing, and giving every child the best possible start in life. With the launch of our new Winter Menu, we’re proud to continue supporting healthy habits and warm, nourishing mealtimes in our centres across Australia.
Reconciliation in Early Education: Embedding Cultural Understanding Every Day
At Affinity Education, reconciliation is more than a statement—it’s a promise. A daily, deliberate act of respect, learning, and collaboration. Across more than 240 early learning centres on the traditional lands of First Nations peoples, we are building inclusive communities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are recognised, celebrated, and embedded in everything we do.
Building Strong Foundations: How Affinity Education Supports Early Learning
Have you ever watched a child’s face light up when they discover something new? Early childhood development is a time of exploration, creativity, and rapid growth, where every experience shapes their future learning. The early years are a time of exploration, creativity, and rapid growth. Foundational learning refers to the essential skills and knowledge children develop between the ages of 0-5, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
Affinity Education Group appoints Head of Learning & Development
Nicholas Antuar has been appointed Head of Learning and Development – a new role created at Affinity Education Group for 2025 in line with our promise of Potential, Realised.
“It’s fantastic to see a rapidly growing company such as Affinity Education investing in and supporting the growth and development of every team member,” Nicholas said.
Kindness in Action: How Affinity Education Lives Its Values Every Day
At Affinity Education centres across Australia, kindness isn’t just a word—it’s embedded in everything we do. From the way we support each other as a team to the care we provide for the children and families we serve, kindness is the foundation of our culture. As one of Australia’s leading early education providers, we know that fostering kindness in our centres leads to stronger teams, happier families, and children who thrive.
Whether you’re a potential educator looking for a workplace that values collaboration, or a family researching the heart behind Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy, and Aussie Kindies, operating in communities across Australia, this post will explore how our commitment to kindness aligns with the Affinity Values that guide us every day.
Helping Children Build Social Skills for Lifelong Learning & Confidence
Ever wondered how your child’s friendships and social skills impact their future success? Research shows that strong social-emotional development in early childhood plays a key role in academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. At Affinity Education, we focus on helping children build confidence, communication skills, and positive relationships – all essential for school and life.
Building Emotional Confidence in Early Childhood: How Affinity Education Nurtures Lifelong Skills
The first five years of a child’s life are a time of incredible growth – not just physically but emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Among the many skills children develop during this period, emotional confidence stands out as one of the most important. It’s the foundation for resilience, relationships, and lifelong learning. At Affinity Education, we know that helping children develop emotional confidence early sets them up for success later in life. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensures children grow in emotional confidence while also developing social connectivity, foundational learning, and physical health and wellbeing. This holistic approach makes our curriculum the most advanced in Australia.