Productivity commission report into early childhood education and care

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry report into Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) has been released by the Australian Government. The final report contains recommendations to support affordable and accessible services, including an independent review of the National Quality Framework (NQF).

The report acknowledged concerns raised by the NSW Small Business Commission, including the way in which services are assessed against the NQF, as well as ongoing staffing challenges experienced by ECEC providers, many of which are small businesses. 

In a submission to the Productivity Commission last year, our office provided feedback based on concerns raised by operators, noting issues surrounding staffing ratios and challenges faced by small ECEC providers. 

The submission was informed by feedback provided as part of a consultation report compiled in September 2022. Feedback indicated NQF requirements were considered to be overly burdensome and convoluted, lacking in clear, objective measures for each assessment rating.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner welcomed the Productivity Commission’s recommendation for an independent review of the NQF to enable providers to better meet the needs of families. 

“The NQF requires ongoing review to ensure there remains an evidence-based approach, with careful consideration of the operational realities of smaller ECEC providers,” said NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont. 

The NSW Small Business Commission’s submission to this review and consultation with ECEC providers are both available on the Commission's website.