Severe operational failures, compromised worker sponsorships, and predatory practices on applicants.
It is deeply concerning that a large corporate childcare provider like Affinity Education Group continues to process employer-sponsored visas while leaving a trail of immigration rejections, lost fees, and severely mishandled administrative processes in its wake.
For visa applicants and their families, trusting an employer to sponsor them is a massive, life-altering commitment. However, dealing with Affinity exposes applicants to systemic organizational incompetence. When a company fails to meet the strict legal, compliance, or vetting criteria required by the Department of Home Affairs, the resulting visa rejections completely shatter lives—while the company faces zero accountability for the thousands of dollars in non-refundable Visa Application Charges (VAC) lost by the applicant.
This operational carelessness comes on top of the intense public scrutiny and investigations Affinity has faced regarding serious child protection failures, safety management breakdowns, and systemic screening lapses across its centers. Operating a massive network of early learning facilities demands absolute integrity, airtight compliance, and rigorous internal governance. Instead, applicants and families are left dealing with a revolving door of management, high staff turnover, and broken processes.
The Verdict: If you or your partner are considering relying on Affinity Education Group for an employer-sponsored visa, proceed with extreme caution. Their inability to manage basic compliance properly risks not only your legal standing in Australia, but also your hard-earned financial investment when applications inevitably collapse under the weight of their internal disorganization.
I’ve had a great experience with Affinity Education Group. Sarah Robinson is especially helpful and always supportive of everyone. If you’re looking for a job or want to grow your career, I highly recommend Affinity. The scholarship opportunities are also a great support for career growth. Thank you, Affinity! ❤️🙏🙏🙏
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.08.26
It has been so rewarding to be part of your journey and see the growth and opportunities that have come your way, Maria! Sarah will be delighted by your kind words, as her support, encouragement and genuine care for others shine through every day. We are so thrilled the scholarship opportunities have helped you take the next steps in your career, and we are grateful to have you as such a valued part of the Affinity community.
We moved our daughter here after bad experiences at another daycare. Educators were amazing despite severe separation anxiety, we feel they genuinely cared about her, and it was great to see her grow during her time there.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.08.20
It has been so special watching your little one grow in confidence since joining our community, Steve! We know those early days weren’t easy, and we are incredibly proud of how far she has come. Our team has loved building that trust with her and getting to know her beautiful personality, so it means the world to hear that you have felt genuinely supported and cared for throughout your time with us.
We’ve had such a great experience with Papilio Barton. My daughter went there from the age of one until she was four, and now my son has been going there since he was eight months old (he’s now two and a half).
All the educators are so kind, caring and genuinely involved with the kids. I really love how they teach children not only the usual things, but also manners, respect, culture and how to interact with others. They have lots of different activities and programs, very good food and they’re also very understanding and flexible with families and their individual circumstances.
One of the biggest things for me is seeing my kids happy when I pick them up and knowing they’ve built such a good relationship with their educators. A special thank you to Aunty May- both of my kids absolutely love her. She is such a wonderful educator.
And a big thank you to Monica, the centre manager, who has always been so understanding and flexible with me whenever I’ve needed an adjustment or help with payments or other arrangements.
I’m genuinely very happy with the whole team at Papilio Barton and feel very lucky that both of my children have been part of this centre. ❤️
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.08.19
It has been so special watching both your little ones become such a big part of our Papilio Barton family over the years, Marjan. Seeing those excited faces at drop-off and hearing all about their days with Aunty May and the team never gets old! We know how much trust families place in us, and it means the world that Monica and the team have been able to support you through every stage along the way. We are so lucky to have shared this journey with your family and cannot wait for many more memories together.
Sarah and entire education team at Milestones Macquarie have been so warm and welcoming to my daughters from the nursery room to senior preschool.
They have created such a nurturing and supportive environment for my girls to thrive, build friendships and support all developmentally keystones.
Would highly recommend to any families looking for a childcare centre.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.08.16
From those early Nursery days to now, it has been so special to watch your little ones grow, gain confidence, and become such cherished members of our Milestones Macquarie family, Adriana. Sarah and the team have loved sharing in their learning, celebrating their achievements, and seeing the wonderful friendships they have built along the way. Knowing that our centre has felt warm, supportive, and nurturing for your family means the world to us. We feel incredibly lucky to have been part of their journey and cannot wait for many more special moments together.
Papilio Barton was the first daycare my son ever attended, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. The staff were warm, welcoming and helped him transition from being at home with Mum and family to confidently spending his days with teachers and friends.
He learnt so many new skills, including feeding himself and washing his hands. The outdoor area is fantastic, the food is great, and the environment is warm and caring.
I especially appreciated the excellent communication with parents. The manager would call to give us updates and when he ran late, Monica would check that he was okay and make sure food was saved for him.
Also a big shout out to their chef, she knows what each and every child likes, l would like to thank her for making sure my son celebrated his birthday with his little mates.
A wonderful team that genuinely cares about the children. Highly recommend Papilio Barton!
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.08.16
Seeing your little one grow from those first tentative days into a confident, capable little learner has been such a joy for all of us, Hazvinei. We have loved sharing in his milestones, celebrations, and everyday adventures, and it means so much to know the care, communication and little personal touches made a difference for your family. Monica and the entire team will be delighted by your kind words. Seeing him walk through our doors happy each day is truly the best compliment we could receive. Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful feedback!
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.07.30
Thank you for the shining 5 stars, Iha! Your support and trust means the world to the whole team.
Our family had children attend this centre for many years and there were some wonderful educators who genuinely cared for our children.
However, we ultimately withdrew our daughter after learning from another parent about serious criminal allegations against a former staff member. What concerned us most in addition to the nature of the alleged criminal conduct itself was the COMPLETE lack of communication from the centre to families of children attending school the centre while the matter was being investigated.
Parents place enormous trust in childcare providers. When issues arise that impact child safety, transparency and timely communication are critical. In our case, we received no information from the centre and instead learned about the situation from other parents despite our child attending the centre while the offender was present.
The recent conviction of the former employee has reinforced our belief that the situation was handled poorly from a communication and family engagement perspective. While we acknowledge the many dedicated educators who worked there during our children’s attendance, the lack of openness regarding such a serious matter ultimately led us to lose confidence in the centre and withdraw our child.
Affinity Education Group had a responsibility to communicate openly and transparently with families affected by this matter. In my view, they failed to do so and many families have been left dealing with the consequences.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.06.25
Hi Belinda, we are really sorry to read this and understand how concerning something like this can feel. Please know that the safety and wellbeing of children is always at the heart of everything we do, and we follow strict processes and requirements in situations like this. We have a great deal of confidence in our team and the care and professionalism they show every day. If you would like to discuss anything further, please reach out to us at feedback@affinityeducation.com.au so we can respond to you directly. Thank you.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.06.25
Hi Nadia, we are disappointed to see your experience hasn’t been a positive one. We would appreciate the opportunity to understand more and see how we can improve. Please reach out to us at feedback@affinityeducation.com.au. Thank you.
I cannot recommend this childcare centre highly enough. The educators and staff have been absolutely amazing and have gone above and beyond for my son and our family from day one.
They genuinely care about the children, create a safe and nurturing environment, and always make the extra effort to ensure every child feels supported and valued. The communication with families is fantastic, and it's clear how much passion and dedication the team puts into what they do.
Knowing my son is happy, cared for, and thriving gives me complete peace of mind. We are so grateful for everything the centre has done for us and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a quality childcare service.
Thank you for all that you do! ❤️
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.06.02
Reading this felt like a big hug for our whole team, Holly! Watching your little one settle in, grow, and light up each day has been such a joy for all of us. It means the world to know your family feels that same sense of care and connection we try to create every day. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of your family's journey and cannot wait to keep cheering him on as he thrives.
Do not recommend this service based on our experience.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.06.04
Hi Bella, we are sorry to see that your experience didn’t meet expectations. If you would like to share more about your concerns, please reach out to us at feedback@affinityeducation.com.au. We would appreciate the opportunity to understand more and see how we can improve. Thank you.
Papilio is a wonderful centre. The educators are very caring, the food is good, the outdoors is large and fun for the kids, and the rooms are bright and large. Everyone at Papilio was wonderful
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.05.31
It is always such a joy having you and your family here with us, Himali. There is something really special about watching the children make the most of those big, sunny outdoor spaces and settle so comfortably into their bright, busy rooms. Our team truly care about every little moment, so it is lovely to hear that shines through for you. And of course, we will pass that love on to our kitchen too!
Do not recommend this centre. Multiple complaints dismissed, major concerns for children's wellbeing and safety. Even escalated concerns to CEO and COO and yet to receive a response.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.06.04
Hi Chloe, we were really concerned to read this, as every child’s wellbeing and sense of security is something we care deeply about. We understand this feedback comes during a time of change and know that shifts within a team can feel significant, especially when strong bonds have been formed. Our educators have been gently supporting children through this transition with care and consistency, helping them feel safe, settled and reassured each day. We would invite you to reach out at feedback@affinityeducation.com.au if you would like to talk further. Thank you.
“Wonderful childcare centre with caring staff and a positive learning environment. Highly recommend.” My little one is 6 months old and her first week of childcare was good .Camilla and Sarah they are awesome and take such a good care of babies .
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.05.17
Seeing your little one settle in so beautifully in her very first week has been such a joy for all of us, Karishma! Camilla and Sarah absolutely adore their babies, and it is so special watching those bonds form so quickly. There is something really beautiful about those first drop-offs turning into little routines together. We are so glad it has felt like a happy beginning for your family.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.04.20
Thank you for the glowing review, Tahlia! Your support means the world to the entire team.
We started at Papilio when my daughter turned 3 months. Since then she had great quality and continuity of care with the educator.
I appreciate the updates I receive daily with pictures and comments of my little one’s days.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.03.29
Having your little one with us from just three months old has been so incredibly special, Luca! Seeing the bond she has built with her educator and knowing she feels safe, settled and loved each day is a reminder of why we love what we do. Thank you for taking the time to share this beautiful feedback.
Have been sending kids there since 2020 :) love it!
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.03.29
Being part of your family’s story since 2020 has truly meant the world, Maryanne! Watching your children grow, learn and feel at home over the years is exactly why we do what we do. We are so thankful our centre continues to feel like the right fit for your family.
My Children have settled in so beautifully at Papilio Turner. As a first time mum putting children into care (which can be such a daunting experience) the Centre Manager Nicole is a wonderful director, I felt really supported, understood and reassured during the whole enrolment process. The Stay and Plays (orientations) really helped my children settle in (and helped me also!) with getting to know the educators, routines and the room that they would be spending time in.
Communication has been great, their routines are updated throughout the day and the educators are more than happy to have a quick chat about how they are going. They do regular updates about their learning and development, which is so lovely to see.
It is a beautifully resourced centre, with caring and dedicated staff. Looking forward to continuing the lifelong learning journey at Papilio Turner.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.03.29
It has been so lovely to see your children find their place with us! Those first steps into care can feel overwhelming, and it means the world to hear that the enrolment journey felt reassuring and genuinely supportive, Nicole has such a steady, thoughtful way of guiding families through it. Knowing the Stay and Plays helped everyone feel comfortable, and that you feel kept in the loop throughout the day, really tells us we are doing what matters. We feel lucky to be on this journey with your family and cannot wait to see what comes next.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.03.02
Hi Sharon, we are disappointed to hear your experience hasn’t been a positive one. We would appreciate the opportunity to understand more and see how we can improve. Please reach out to us at feedback@affinityeducation.com.au. Thank you.
It’s been just one week at the Child Care, and already I feel so relieved and grateful. The staff genuinely care about the children and take such good care of them. What stands out the most is how well they listen — they really try to understand both the child’s needs and the parents’ concerns, and they do their best to help in every way possible. I’m truly happy with their support and care and I’m hoping for a long-term association with them.
Reply from Affinity Education Group Limited
2026.02.17
Hearing how supported and reassured you feel after just one week truly means the world to the team, Nadiya. We have loved getting to know your little one and making sure both his needs and your concerns are heard with care. Seeing him settle in so beautifully has been a joy for us. We are truly grateful for the trust you have placed in us and look forward to building a long, positive journey together.