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When did it start to go wrong?
Looking back at the changes in how we deliver early learning since the 1990's, I'm back tracking what sent us down the proverbial toilet. Trying to think objectively about it , it's evident to me that when the focus shifted to parents instead of children everything we did and how we did it changed. The more early learning became competition for warm bodies, the bigger the shift in who really mattered at kindy.
2025-12-18 08:00:46
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Workforce
Practice
Research
Let’s not lose the word 'Children'
Across the early childhood profession, our language is constantly evolving. We reflect deeply on the words we use; how they shape identity, how they frame relationships, and how they influence the way children experience their world. Yet one quiet shift has been occurring in our sector, almost unnoticed: the gradual move away from the word children.
2025-12-18 07:45:13
by Fiona Alston
Events News
Quality
Practice
Provider
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Celebrating excellence across Australia: Insights from the 2025 Affinity award winners
Each year, the Affinity Education Awards provide a powerful platform to recognise the educators driving quality and care across. The 2025 ceremony, held in December, celebrated outstanding educators, centre leaders, support staff and teams making a difference in the lives of children and families, across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.
2025-12-18 07:15:57
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Provider
Research
A call to action for Early Childhood: Accountability and transparency in the National Strategy to prevent child abuse annual report 2025
The release of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021–2030: Third Annual Reportreinforces the Australian Government’s commitment to building a safer future for children. For the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, it also delivers a clear message: child safeguarding is not optional, it is a national priority requiring full and urgent implementation.
2025-12-18 07:00:37
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Policy
Provider
Emergency Action Notices issued to three South Australian ECEC services over mobile device management concerns
Three early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in South Australia have been issued Emergency Action Notices by the Education Standards Board (ESB) following findings of non-compliance related to mobile device use, child protection, and adherence to policies and procedures.
2025-12-18 06:31:16
by Fiona Alston
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Economics
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What early childhood providers need to know about mandatory merger clearance in 2026
2025-12-17 06:30:05
by Fiona Alston
Provider
Economics
Soul Pattinson lifts stake in G8 Education, increases voting power to 7.85 per cent
2025-12-16 07:00:05
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Policy
Provider
Emergency Action Notices issued to three South Australian ECEC services over mobile device management concerns
2025-12-18 06:31:16
by Fiona Alston
