Blog Posts | Phoenix Support For Educators

The Felt Sense of Exceeding

What makes a service Exceeding? It’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count. And while there are many correct answers, the truth is… it depends. It depends on the children and families...

Assessment and rating Critical reflection Exceeding NQS Flow in early years Loose parts National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy

9 Sept 2025 Blog

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 Blog

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 Blog

Preparing for Your Assessment and Rating Visit

Assessment and rating - two words that can send a ripple of anxiety through any early years service. However, what if we reframe this? What if we see Assessment and Rating Day as an opportunity, rathe...

Assessment and rating Authorised officer Coaching & mentoring Compliance National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)

5 Jan 2025 Blog

Crafting a culture of wellbeing as an Educational Leader

As 2025 roars into full swing, one voice from the sector is echoing loud and clear…BURN OUT! Lets not dilly dally around this point – rather face it head on and begin to employ our collective thought ...

Connection Cup® Critical reflection Educational Leader Educator wellbeing Fun Cup® Mastery Cup® National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Neuroscience Pedagogy Safety Cup® The Phoenix Cups® Framework Trauma informed practice Unhelpful thinking

29 Dec 2024 Blog

Child Safety: A Collective Responsibility

As a community, historically we have fallen short in our duty to protect our children. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017 illuminated this stark reality an...

Assessment and rating Authorised officer Child protection Child safety Child supervision guidelines Compliance National Quality Standard (NQS)

3 Sept 2024 Blog

Filling our Cups: How relationships transformed the data at Kinglake Ranges

Ever wondered what embedding the Phoenix Cups Framework into your service philosophy might achieve? Written by Mim Brown, Phoenix Support for Educators Download this Article Please subscribe below to ...

Barefoot Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Bush kinder Children's wellbeing Connection Cup® Educational Leader Educator wellbeing Loose parts National Quality Standard (NQS) Nature play Pedagogy Positive psychology Random acts of kindness Risky play Social and emotional learning The Phoenix Cups® Framework

1 Aug 2023 Blog

Critical Reflection: Reflective Questions based on Quality Areas 1-7

The Importance of Critical Reflection In the early childhood education and care sector, critically reflecting on our practices is of utmost importance. It allows us to continuously improve and provide...

Critical reflection Cultural inclusion Educational Leader Educator ethics Educator journal National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Planning & programming Professional development Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) Resources Risk assessment Safe sleep practices

29 June 2023 Resources

Surviving the staffing crisis

Written by Mim Brown, Phoenix Support for Educators Agency, love, self-care and a challenge to qualification mandates. We talk to six sector leaders about staff recruitment and retention and their res...

COVID-19 Childcare sector challenges Educational Leader Educator advocacy Educator wellbeing National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy School readiness

8 May 2023 Blog

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 Blog

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 Blog

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 Blog

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