The National Catholic Education Commission has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s report, titled A path to universal early childhood education and care, which includes a wider range of early education options for the broader school sector.
“As a key contributor to the Australian Education system, Catholic Education has long recognised the critical role that high-quality early childhood education plays in fostering positive learning outcomes and social development,” National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins said.
“As highlighted by Minister for Education Jason Clare, the report is ‘a significant input into our work to chart the course to a universal early childhood education and care system’.
“The Productivity Commission’s 56 comprehensive recommendations address removing barriers and emphasise the importance of accessible, flexible and high-quality early childhood options.
“We believe this will help smooth transitions for children entering primary school, contributing to better educational outcomes and reducing developmental gaps.”
Ms Collins’ supported Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly’s comments that “all children should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care, no matter their background or postcode”.
“We welcome the recommendation to address barriers to providing subsidised wrap-around care in dedicated pre-schools and support universal access via an early childhood education and care (ECEC) development fund to thin markets.
“Catholic education has nearly 40 per cent of our schools located in regional, rural and remote areas who face unique challenges where the fund can help alleviate some of the future demand.”
“We welcome the establishment of an independent ECEC commission to support system stewardship and look forward to a positive collaboration with the Government to progress the Productivity Commission’s recommendations.”
FULL STORY
Catholic education welcomes better early childhood options for the broader school sector (NCEC)
