In every Affinity Education 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. Children’s Week (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 Affinity Education Team Manager Katie Hancock.
“Together as Affinity Education Group, 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 Early Years Learning Framework principles of partnerships and respect for diversity.
Celebrating in Centres Across Australia
Across more than 240 Affinity Education centres, educators are marking Children’s Week with experiences that help children understand their rights in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
At Papilio Early Learning Reedy Creek 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.
“Affinity’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 Affinity Education, 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 Children’s Week Council of Australia.
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 Affinity Education Group.