We're back for a new fortnightly series! This week, we're tackling the Federal Government's Early Years Strategy. What is the context of this new strategy, and what do we think it should come up with? Episode notes Contribute to the Early Years Strategy Recommendations Leannne: Lisa: Anything by Margaret Sims and Peter Moss! Liam: Join the From the Heart campaign Become a Patron ..read more

We've been away for a while - but we couldn't let as big a year as 2022 pass without getting the gang back together. We mostly remember how to podcast, but it's been long enough that Liam managed to forget that a microphone only works when it's... plugged in. Apologies for his terrible sound. He promises to do better in 2023. Become a Patron ..read more

The Federal Government has just released its Budget for 2021 and 2022, which - after sustained advocacy from a variety of people and organisations - includes increases in spending in many areas - including early education. But while billions of dollars are in the Budget papers, what is the devil in the detail? Joining us to break down Child Care Subsidy changes, universal preschool funding agreements and more red tape smashing, is the official fourth member of the podcast Karl Hessian! Episode notes 2021-22 Portfolio Budget Statements Federal budget flags $1.6bn education boost for preschools ..read more

There have been a spate of media articles recently concerning child sexual abuse linked to educators working in the early education sector. This episode, Lisa talks with Deanne Carson, a leading Australian sexuality educator, researcher, speaker, author and Founder and CEO of Body Safety Australia, on how educators and leaders can better ensure their spaces are safe for children. WARNING: Contains discussions of sexual abuse and child harm. If you require assistance or would like to talk to a trained professional about the issues discussed in this episode please call Kids Helpline on ..read more

Minister for Early Education in the Victorian Government, Ingrid Stitt MP, has been raising the alarm about continued uncertainty with the National Partnership on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education. Lisa chats with her about why this funding is so important, why the uncertainty creates so many challenges, and the reforms that the Victorian Government are putting in place with early education. Episode notes Ingrid Stitt MP Lette to Alan Tudge MP, Federal Minister for Education Become a Patron ..read more

Under the National Quality Framework, professionals and services need to report a range of serious incidents to their regulatory authorities. But why don't we talk more about how services approach reporting and reporting behaviours with their teams? Leanne sits down with Big Fat Smile CEO Jenni Hutchins to discuss why a positive culture of reporting is so important. Episode notes Big Fat Smile Episode 81: Being an Approved Provider, with Jenni Hutchins ACECQA Reporting Guide Become a Patron ..read more

In 2019, the second review of the National Quality Framework officially commenced. The Review aims to identify aspects of the NQF that could be improved or updated, and to incorporate new thinking about the regulation of early education. Earlier this year, the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement was released, which identifies options for changes to the NQF and what they might mean. There’s nothing we love more than a consultation process, so we spend this episode talking about the NQF Review in general, and a few things from the Regulation Impact Statement specifically. Links NQF Review ..read more

We're back for another year of banter about all things early education in Australia! In our first episode of 2021, we let everyone know what we did on our summer holidays and reflect on the experiences of women that have been dominating the media so far this year. We then spend the second half of the episode discussing what about the sector makes us optimistic in 2021. Episode notes Women’s March 4 Justice ACECQA Workforce Report - November 2019 NQF Review: Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement Become a Patron ..read more

2020. We’re so glad you’re nearly over. Join us for our fifth annual end of year special episode, taking a look back at the year that was, looking ahead to 2021 and answering some listener questions. We’ll back back for more episodes in 2021! Become a Patron ..read more

The regular ACCS Trends in Community Children’s Services Survey sheds a light on trends in the quality of early education, accessibility and affordability, educator and teacher conditions and entitlements, and the overall impact of policy initiatives such as the NQF and the child care subsidy. It’s a wealth of data and analysis on how the Australian system of early education works - or doesn’t work - for children, educators, families and the community. To discuss the latest Survey Report released in November, we’re joined by Daniela Kavoukas and Nikki Graham from Community Child Care Associati ..read more