Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Preschools, also known as kindergartens in some states, are currently the target of Federal Government reform. Although the industry is fragmented at the state level, the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) agreement has ensured Federal Government support and funding for the early education sector. In December 2009, COAG introduced the Early Years Learning Framework, to improve the quality and national consistency of preschool and childcare services. The framework sets out new compulsory national standards for early childhood education and care providers, and includes a National Quality Standard, minimum staff-child ratios, staff qualification requirements, a quality rating system and a new national body... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Locations Chapter
The distribution of preschools by state is generally consistent with the population of preschool-aged children, but is also influenced by state government regulation and assistance. Lower per student funding from the New South Wales Government has contributed to higher fees and lower preschool enrolments when compared with other states (refer to Demand Determinants section). As a result, New South Wales has the lowest proportion of its population attending government preschool education, with only 59.8% of its 4-5 year old population attending government funded preschool. Factors affecting the participation rate include costs (New South Wales has the highest average fees), the availability of transportation, and links with schools and childcare providers... purchase to read more