Affinity Education, one of Australia's largest childcare operators and the company behind brands including Milestones, Papilio and Kids Academy, has been accused by parents of failing to disclose serious maintenance problems, including black mould and rat infestations, at some of its centres. Parents say they were kept in the dark about the conditions their children were being cared for in, with one describing the situation as something that "fills you with rage." The allegations raise concerns about oversight and transparency at a major childcare provider entrusted with young children's health and safety.

Affected parents report discovering the issues themselves rather than being informed by the company, prompting anger over what they see as a breach of trust. The claims add to wider scrutiny of standards across Australia's childcare sector, where large corporate operators run numerous centres under multiple brand names. The article does not specify how many centres were affected or detail Affinity Education's response to the allegations.