OPINION ARTICLES
Practice
Quality
Workforce
It’s the people – full stop. Why early learning reforms must start with educators
Real reform in early learning has always hinged on one truth: if you get the people right, everything else follows.
2025-12-05 05:28:48
by Fiona Alston
Provider
Workforce
Navigating organisational change: Redundancies and responsibility
As pressures mount across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) landscape, reports of redundancies are beginning to circulate within the sector. Growing tension is being felt by providers as they grapple with rising costs, changing policy expectations and evolving family needs.
2025-12-04 07:45:40
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Professional bravery in ECEC: How reading the nervous system prevents behaviour escalation
Across early childhood settings, educators are reporting a rise in big emotions, sensory-based distress, and behaviour that seems to escalate faster than it once did. The increase is not due to a lack of skill within the workforce. It reflects the growing complexity of children’s developmental and sensory needs, combined with the heightened expectations placed on educators. In these moments, one skill consistently protects safety, reduces escalation, and strengthens relationships. Professional bravery.
2025-12-02 07:30:47
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Quality
Research
Workforce
Why sustainability isn’t ‘one more thing’ on your to-do list
Are you an early childhood educator or leader who wants to make a difference but feels overwhelmed by the thought of adding sustainability to your full plate? You’re not alone. The good news is that sustainability doesn’t have to mean more work.
2025-11-28 07:30:04
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Building belonging and agency by honouring children’s rights
Children’s Week 2025 has wrapped up, but the voices and conversations it inspired continue to ripple through early childhood services, schools, and our wider community. Every year, Children’s Week offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and honour what childhood truly represents.
2025-11-26 05:28:27
by Fiona Alston
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Workforce
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How one teacher is using Little J & Big Cuz to build empathy, understanding and confidence in First Nations learning
2025-12-08 07:15:19
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Policy
Practice
Provider
Economics
Research
Workforce
NQF Annual Report 2025: Quality gains continue, but sector faces compliance pressures and persistent equity gaps
2025-12-10 07:21:19
by Fiona Alston
Research
Provider
Intentional science play: a three‑stage pathway to foster children’s scientific literacy in the early years
2025-12-10 07:45:26
by Fiona Alston
