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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
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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
Practice
Provider
Quality
Workforce
Strengthening Early Childhood Education: Insights and reflections
With over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, I have witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges faced by families and educators across Australia. My journey has taken me through diverse settings, from bustling metropolitan centres to quiet regional communities, and from for-profit organisations to passionate not-for-profits. For eight years, I had the privilege of teaching at TAFE, preparing future educators to make a difference.
2025-12-18 07:30:05
by Fiona Alston
Events News
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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
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When did it start to go wrong?
2025-12-18 08:00:46
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning
2025-12-15 08:00:40
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Research
Food safety in early learning centres: Protecting children through better practices
2025-12-15 07:45:24
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