ACECQA progresses Inclusive Capability Project with first consultative workshop

Fiona Alston

Aug 12, 2025

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The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has commenced its Inclusive Capability Project, hosting the first consultative workshop in June to inform the development of a new Inclusive Practice Framework for early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The framework aims to strengthen inclusive practice across the sector, supporting services to ensure all children and families experience a sense of belonging, participation and equitable access to quality education and care.

Sector voices shaping the frameworkThe inaugural workshop brought together inclusion practitioners from diverse settings and jurisdictions. Discussions explored:

Examples of effective inclusive practices across Australia
Persistent barriers to inclusion
Practical strategies to overcome these challenges

The collaborative process is designed to ensure the framework reflects the realities of practice, the diversity of ECEC contexts, and the needs of children and families from all backgrounds, abilities and communities.

Towards stronger inclusion in ECEC

Inclusion is a key underpinning of the National Quality Framework, reflected in Quality Area 6, Collaborative partnerships with families and communities and Quality Area 1, Educational program and practice. The Inclusive Capability Project seeks to build sector-wide capacity, embedding inclusion not as an optional approach but as a core professional responsibility.

The framework, once developed, will offer practical guidance, resources and tools for educators, leaders, and service providers to create environments where every child can thrive.

Further information about the project and upcoming opportunities for input is available via ACECQA’s website: Inclusive Capability Project.

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