ACT Minister launches second phase of Set Up for Success

Yvette Berry, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, launched the second phase of Set Up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy For the ACT yesterday. 

First launched in 2020, Set up for Success is a nation-leading ten-year plan for early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Informed by the delivery and evaluation of Phase One, the second phase builds on work completed to date, including moving towards universal provision of government funded three- and four-year-old preschool as well as a continuing focus on supporting effective transitions for children.

Key actions of the second phase include:

• Providing universal access to 300 hours of free Three-year-old preschool offered at 138 early childhood education and care services (began January 2024).
• Continuing the work to develop and implement an ACT-wide approach to effective transitions between services for children including enhancing supports for parents and carers through the Preschool Pathways program.
• Enhancing the professionalism of the early childhood workforce by establishing a professional learning and resource portal for educators.
• Establishing a program in culturally inclusive and responsive early childhood educational practices.

“As a result of the commitment of the Territory, the ECEC sector and our community to implementing Set up for Success, we are seeing improved outcomes for children, families and early childhood education and care professionals,” Minister Berry said.

“Every child is entitled to a fair start in life through access to quality early learning that meets their individual needs.”

Ms Berry concluded her announcement by extending her thanks to the ECEC sector “for your hard work and cooperation in delivering this strategy.”

Learn more about the strategy here.