At Affinity Education, we know that great educators build great futures. That’s why, in July 2025, our Education Team partnered with Phoenix Support for Educators 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 “Nurturing, Safe and Positive Interactions with Children,” 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’s Quality and Education Advisors, alongside Affinity Learning Academy Development Coaches, the sessions encouraged collaboration, open reflection, and practical learning.
“This year has been difficult for our sector, and especially for many of our educators who do amazing work with children every day,” said Katie Hancock, National Education Manager at Affinity. “The 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.”
Collaboration with Phoenix Support for Educators
Affinity was proud to partner with Sandi Phoenix, one of Australia’s 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’ emotional safety, self-reflection, and daily interactions with children.
“We focused on practical strategies for reflective practice and emotionally safe interactions,” explained Sandi Phoenix. “These sessions offered educators the time and space to reconnect with their purpose and strengthen relationships with children and colleagues. Affinity’s Education team showed a genuine dedication to supporting educators’ growth, confidence, and wellbeing.”
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:
“It 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’s a simple strategy that can have a powerful effect.”
The impact was felt immediately across centres. Autumn Haley, Centre Manager at Milestones Canungra, shared:
“After just two training sessions, I’ve already seen a big difference in the way educators interact with children. There’s more positive praise, meaningful discussions about consent, and calm, engaging environments. The children are responding in such positive ways, it’s been amazing to see.”
A Lasting Impact
Affinity’s 2025 professional development series is a testament to our ongoing investment in people. By creating space for connection, reflection, and collaboration, we’re strengthening the foundation for quality early education across Australia, one educator at a time.
As Katie Hancock noted, “When educators feel valued, confident, and supported, children thrive. That’s what drives everything we do.”
About Affinity Education Group
Affinity Education Group is one of Australia’s largest providers of early childhood education and care, operating over 240 centres nationwide. Through our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we’re proud to deliver quality education supported by evidence-based professional development for our educators and leaders.
Explore a career with Affinity Education Group and join a team where professional development is prioritised.