Blog | Phoenix Support For Educators

10 Articles

Group time × National Quality Framework (NQF) ×

When words sting

"Everybehaviourtells a story. Swearing is achapter;it’s not time to close the book." - Annette As a facilitator, mentor, and long-time Educational Leader in School Age Care,I’vewitnessedthe ripple eff...

Children's autonomy Children's wellbeing National Quality Framework (NQF) OSHC, OOSH & SAC Skill to Fill™ The Phoenix Cups® Framework Will to Fill™ child behaviour children's rights children's voice family partnerships life skills respecting practice school age care swearing in children unmet needs

25 Mar 2026

Strong Foundations: neuroscience and emotional development in the early years

Picture this: a vibrant early childhood learning environment, walls and tables adorned with colourful posters, flashcards, and even stones, all decorated with faces attempting to demonstrate intense e...

Childhood advocacy Freedom Cup® Group time Music in early years National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Needs literacy Neuroscience Pedagogy Positive psychology The Phoenix Cups® Framework

23 Apr 2025

Are We Supervising Children? Or Are We Looking at Them?

Disclaimer: This is Part 2 of this series! If you'd like to read part one, click here . Supervision in early years education extends far beyond simple head counts or rigid supervision plans. It is a d...

Active Supervision Active supervision Child protection Child safety Child supervision guidelines Compliance Flow in early years National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Risk assessment Trauma informed practice

26 Jan 2025

Heartfelt Learning

Early childhood educators and teachers play a pivotal role in celebrating and integrating the rich, ancient culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into early childhood curriculums. W...

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture Aboriginal perspectives Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Baul, Dulgo, Dunngunn Cultural inclusion Culturally safe programs NAIDOC Week National Quality Framework (NQF) Pedagogy

7 Aug 2024

Let there be light!

Sleep. What an intense conversation topic, particularly amongst new parents whose group gatherings often sound like this: “Who sleeps through the night? When do you transition from three naps to two? ...

Child safety Child supervision guidelines ECEC regulations National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Safe sleep practices

14 Nov 2021

Being professional in Early Childhood Education

Being a member of a few Early Childhood Educator Facebook groups, I often see there is a lot of disagreement among these groups (and throughout the sector) about what being a professional in Early Chi...

Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Children's behaviour Children's wellbeing Critical reflection Educator advocacy Educator ethics National Quality Framework (NQF) Play-based learning Professional development Risky play

30 Oct 2021

Angry about 'under the roof ratio'? You're doing it wrong

If you cringe when the words 'Under the roof' are uttered, then chances are you’re doing it wrong. The Australian National Quality Framework (NQF) brought with it ratios intended to improve outcomes f...

Child safety Child supervision guidelines Compliance ECEC regulations National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Under the roof ratio

31 Aug 2021

Educators - Know your Stuff

Four things that Educators who know how to exceed do that Educators working towards the National Quality Standard don’t. I have noticed something interesting… the difference in the practice of service...

Aboriginal perspectives Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Behaviour charts Critical reflection Educational Leader Educator ethics National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy Planning & programming Professional development Risk assessment

31 July 2021

How do I 'manage' children's behaviour during group time?

FAQ – How do I ‘manage’ children’s behaviour during group time? Children’s behavioural learning needs to be guided, supported and encouraged, NOT managed. Children “behave” as they do because they are...

Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Child engagement Children's behaviour Critical reflection Flow in early years Group time Intentional teaching National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy The Phoenix Cups® Framework

31 Aug 2020

I need an extension - on extending children's interests

“You don’t look like you’re enjoying your job, what are you stressed about?” “I have so much paperwork”, sighs the educator with a furrowed brow as she looks up between piles of folders, and trimmed p...

Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Child engagement Child-led learning Children's wellbeing Critical reflection Group time Meaningful learning experiences National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Planning & programming

17 May 2018