Monday 15 August 2011
REVIEW OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUNDING
NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli today announced an independent review of the way more than $220 million in early childhood education funding is allocated.
“Policy decisions by the previous government created a funding system which is inequitable for families and unnecessarily complex and bureaucratic for service providers,” Mr Piccoli said.
“This situation affects more than 178,000 New South Wales children that attend some form of early childhood education, such as preschools or long day care centres, run by over 2,400 providers.
“The review will help the State Government deliver its goal of providing access to crucial early childhood education for all New South Wales children prior to starting Kindergarten, particularly those in disadvantaged circumstances.
“Although more than $220 million from the State and Federal governments is allocated to early childhood education in New South Wales this year, we lag behind other States and Territories in both participation rates and affordability.
“This situation is unacceptable, with considerable international research showing quality early childhood education can significantly improve a child’s later life health and economic prospects.”
The review will be conducted by Professor Deborah Brennan from the Social Policy Research Centre, University of NSW. Professor Brennan is one of Australia’s leading researchers in early childhood education and care and family policies.
Key elements of the review include:
* Analysis and comparison of early childhood education funding in NSW, Australia and internationally, and an assessment of strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings of the current state system
* Recommendations for extra assistance to disadvantaged groups, appropriate solutions for supply of preschool programs and a qualified, skilled workforce
* Development of practical, workable solutions for service providers and families, improving participation rates and affordability and ensuring investments will deliver results.
“Professor Brennan will invite submissions from the early childhood education and care sector to ensure a wide range of views is obtained,” Mr Piccoli said.
“The review will recommend strategies and actions to help guide future funding of early childhood education programs to the benefit of future generations of young people.”
KU Children’s Services, a leading provider of early childhood education and care, has welcomed the review.
“KU believes every family should be able to access affordable, high quality early childhood education and care for their children, however for many years the levels and models of funding in NSW have made that difficult. We know there are many children missing out on preschool in NSW and are hopeful the funding review will deliver more equitable and affordable fees for families,” said Christine Legg, KU’s Chief Executive Officer.
Recommendations resulting from the review are expected to be presented to the Government by the end of the year.
A discussion paper will be made available on the Department of Education and Communities website in the near future.
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