Changes to Inclusion Support Program announced

Changes to Inclusion Support Program (ISP) applications have been announced, which will be effective from today, 11 January 2024. 

From 11 January 2024, new applications for an additional educator under the ISP Inclusion Development Fund will only be approved up to 30 June 2024. Services will need to reapply if they require an additional educator beyond 30 June 2024.

The Department of Education will provide services with further information about applying for an additional educator in the next financial year. 

Changes to the Collaborative and Strategic Projects and Innovative Solutions support also came into effect today, 11 January. Funding for projects under the Collaborative and Strategic Projects and Innovative Solutions support will be limited to under $10,000 (GST exclusive) for exceptional circumstances. These projects must be completed by 30 June 2024.

Existing approved projects will be unaffected. If services have an application that is yet to be approved and is above $10,000, services will be asked to resubmit.

The Department has made the changes in response to a rise in demand for the program after eligibility was expanded in 2020. The changes aim to ensure that the program: 

• remains fiscally sustainable
• provides equity of access for those families requiring support the most in a time of high demand.

There are currently several important reviews examining the ECEC sector. These will inform the future of ISP and ECEC services more broadly, and the Department will advise of these changes as they come to light. The government is also considering the report from the 2023 review of the program.

The department is working with the sector to implement these changes and explore longer term solutions.Learn more about the Inclusion Support Program here.