Review of the National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education
The National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education was established in 2008 to ensure that every child in Australia has access to quality early childhood education. The agreement aims to provide 600 hours of preschool education to all children in the year before they start school, regardless of their socio-economic background, location, or ability.
In 2019, a review of the National Partnership Agreement was conducted by the Australian Government to assess its effectiveness. The review found that the agreement has been successful in increasing access to early childhood education, with over 90% of children in the year before school attending a preschool program.
The review also found that the agreement has had a positive impact on the development and school readiness of children. Children who attend quality early childhood education are more likely to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills that are essential for success in school and later in life.
However, despite the success of the National Partnership Agreement, there are still areas that need improvement. The review identified that there are still barriers to access for some children, particularly those in remote and disadvantaged communities. In addition, there is a need to improve the quality of early childhood education to ensure that all children receive the best possible start in life.
To address these issues, the review recommended a number of actions, including providing additional funding to support access to early childhood education in remote and disadvantaged areas, and strengthening quality assurance processes to ensure that all early childhood education services meet national standards.
Overall, the review of the National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education highlights the importance of investing in early childhood education. By providing all children with access to quality early childhood education, we can ensure that they have the best possible start in life and are set up for success in the future.