In educational environments, relationships with families are central to building trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. However, when those relationships become strained, especially through verbal abuse, intimidation, or threats, leaders must act decisively to protect staff well-being and uphold respectful conduct. Aggression from families is not just emotionally damaging—it can compromise safety, morale, and the integrity of the learning environment. Addressing it requires a balance of legal awareness, relational leadership, and clear procedural action.

In early childhood education, the phrase “school readiness” often conjures images of children sitting quietly at tables, practicing handwriting or phonics. But this narrow view overlooks the rich, embodied ways that young children learn. As research and practice continue to affirm, four-year-olds don’t need to sit still to be ready for school, they need to move, explore, and play.

In early childhood settings, the word “no” carries weight. It can signal safety, set boundaries, and teach children about limits. Yet, in some centres, policies now discourage educators from using “no” in any context, sparking debate across the sector. Is saying “no” harmful—or essential? And if we’re not saying “no,” what are we saying instead?

Celebrating Halloween in early childhood settings can be enriching, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges thoughtfully. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:

Here’s a playful set of questions you can use during group time to explore children’s understanding of Halloween. These are designed to spark curiosity, storytelling, and cultural reflection, while keeping things warm and inclusive.

In early childhood services, leadership is relational. Whether you're guiding a new educator or supporting a seasoned team member through change, knowing when to coach and when to mentor is essential. These approaches aren’t interchangeable; they serve different purposes, require different skills, and yield different outcomes.  This cheat sheet helps leaders distinguish between coaching and mentoring, apply each effectively, and embed both into everyday practice.

In the fast-paced world, leadership isn’t just about compliance or curriculum; it’s about connection. One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools in a leader’s toolkit is the humble check-in ritual. These moments of intentional pause can transform team dynamics, foster psychological safety, and embed a culture of care into the everyday rhythm of a service.

The following article provides 5 examples of risk assessments tailored for early childhood services, including Local Park Excursion, Art & Sensory Play, Loose Parts Construction Zone Risk Assessment, Fire Drill & Emergency Evacuation, and Dramatic Play with Costumes & Props, and more. 

A: Under Regulations 101–102D, approved providers and educators must conduct risk assessments for activities that may pose risks to children’s health, safety, or well-being.

National Children’s Week (18th - 26th October) is more than a calendar event—it’s a call to action. A reminder to pause, reflect, and truly listen to the voices of children. In early childhood settings, where play, learning, and relationships intertwine, this week offers a powerful opportunity to centre children’s rights, celebrate their contributions, and elevate their lived experiences.