Affinity Education Group gains breastfeeding friendly workplace accreditation

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Affinity Education Group has achieved a breastfeeding friendly workplace accreditation, recognised by the Australian Breastfeeding Association as being a workplace that offers employment conditions supporting women to combine breastfeeding and work, including a supportive culture, lactation breaks, flexible work options and access to private facilities.

“Returning to work after parental leave can be a stressful time for our people. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where all staff feel welcome and supported,” said Affinity Education Group’s Chief People Officer Linda Carroll.

The measure has the additional benefit of contributing to a breastfeeding friendly culture in broader society, with Australian Breastfeeding Association President Margaret Grove commending Affinity on the accreditation, noting that she hopes to see more education providers follow suit.

“At a time when nearly 50 per cent of women return to work within 12 months of giving birth, we are proud to see Affinity Education offer a flexible workplace and assist women to meet family and economic needs throughout their career,” Ms Grove said.

By gaining accreditation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, she continued, Affinity is cementing its place as a leader in family-friendly practice.

“We hope to lead by example and encourage other education providers to adopt supportive breastfeeding practices in the workplace to make all Australian women feel supported in their return to work,” Ms Carroll said in response.

Centres extending Affinity Education Group’s breastfeeding friendly policy to families include Papilio Early Learning, Milestones Early Learning, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies Early Learning.

For more information on the Australian Breastfeeding Association and its Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace accreditation, visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au