National Cabinet has asked education and early years ministers to develop a national long-term vision for early childhood education and care. The vision will support parents’ workforce participation and children’s education and development outcomes.
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About the vision
Federal, state and territory education and early years ministers are developing a national long-term vision to drive future reform of early childhood education and care (ECEC).
The draft national vision recognises:
- Quality ECEC has learning and development benefits for children in the most formative period of their lives. This can be especially significant for children from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
- An affordable and accessible ECEC system supports parents to work and study, especially women. This in turn supports the Australian economy to grow and prosper.
The draft national vision covers all forms of ECEC, including preschool and all forms of child care.
Consultation
The draft national vision was available for public consultation from 17 March to 7 April 2023.
We received a significant number of submissions, which are being considered. As well, we are conducting further targeted consultations, including the representatives from First Nations communities.
Next steps
- Stakeholder consultation was open between 17 March and 7 April 2023.
- This feedback will inform next steps for the vision. We will publish a summary report of the feedback.
- National Cabinet expects to consider the vision in late 2023.
- Once agreed by National Cabinet, the vision will provide long-term direction to achieve a quality, accessible, affordable, and equitable ECEC sector.
More information
Read these frequently asked questions for more information.