Articles

Across Australia, regulated staffing ratios aim to safeguard children in early learning settings. However, a growing number of incidents reveal that meeting these minimum requirements on paper doesn’t always translate into active, vigilant supervision. Below are several case studies that…

A: This typically refers to opening a room or service with two educators holding Certificate III qualifications. The assumption is that the third staff member (when added) would be diploma-qualified, allowing the team to meet the 50/50 ratio requirement—which mandates…

If you need to report an early childhood service, there are clear steps you can take depending on the nature of the issue and your location. Here's a breakdown to guide you:

When a family requests that male educators not change their child’s nappy, it touches on safeguarding, inclusion, and professional boundaries all at once. Here’s a way to navigate it thoughtfully.

A: Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), every time a centre-based early childhood service is open—whether at opening, throughout the day, or at closing—there must be at least one Responsible Person physically present and on duty.

Preparing children for the leap into formal schooling involves more than academic knowledge—it means supporting their holistic development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. This checklist supports educators and families in identifying foundational skills and strengths, in alignment with…

Snakes are one of nature's most fascinating creatures, often misunderstood yet deeply woven into Australia’s unique biodiversity and Indigenous culture. By exploring native Australian snakes through play and learning, children can develop respect for wildlife, connect to Country, and expand…

Stories shape how children make sense of their world. When we tell stories through a trauma-informed lens, we offer safety, build resilience, and honour each child’s experience. The following article provides information on Core Principles, Why It Matters, In Practice, …

Setting children up for a confident and joyful start to school begins long before the first bell. This guide brings together evidence-informed strategies, play-based activities, and partnership ideas to help preschoolers develop the skills, independence, and emotional resilience they need…

This past week has challenged our sector—and stretched our hearts. But in the wake of uncertainty, we find courage. We come together. And we lead with purpose. This article is dedicated to helping educators process, reflect, and rise stronger.

When a qualification is cancelled by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), it sets off a chain of consequences for educators, employers, and the broader vocational education sector. Here's a breakdown of what happens. The following article provides information on …

As CCTV becomes a more common feature in Australian early learning centres, especially in response to safeguarding concerns, a critical question emerges: Are these systems truly protecting children—or exposing them to new risks?