Deloitte appointed as new Inclusion Development Fund Manager from October 2025

The Australian Government Department of Education has announced that Deloitte will become the new Inclusion Development Fund Manager (IDFM) for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, effective from 1 October 2025.

The Inclusion Development Fund (IDF) is a key component of the Inclusion Support Program (ISP), which helps early learning services provide inclusive environments for children with additional needs. The Fund is designed to assist services in implementing strategies that support the meaningful participation of all children, regardless of their circumstances or challenges.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, KU Children’s Services has successfully fulfilled the IDFM role. KU recently made a business decision not to continue in this capacity beyond 30 September 2025.

KU has played a vital role in ensuring equitable access to the IDF and has worked collaboratively with both the department and Inclusion Agencies to support the delivery of the ISP.

As the incoming fund manager, Deloitte will take on responsibility for the end-to-end management of IDF applications and decisions. This includes:

• Assessing funding applications submitted by approved ECEC providers
• Recommending funding outcomes to the Department of Education
• Communicating the results and any required follow-up to applicants

Deloitte’s appointment marks a new phase in the administration of the IDF. However, the Department has confirmed that the existing arrangements will remain in place until the transition is complete. The current fund manager, KU Children’s Services, will continue in the role until 30 September 2025, ensuring services can continue to access support with no interruption.

To further support continuity and minimise disruption, Deloitte will retain the existing toll-free IDFM contact number: 1800 824 955. This measure will help maintain accessible, consistent communication for services seeking information or assistance during and after the transition period.

The Department has emphasised that it is working closely with both KU Children’s Services and Deloitte to deliver a smooth, well-supported handover, designed to ensure there is no adverse impact on services or children during the changeover.

Throughout the transition period, the Department will provide regular updates to ECEC providers, services and stakeholders. These updates will include information about changes to processes, key dates, and any new support materials or guidance that may be developed to support the sector in adapting to the new fund manager.

For more information about the Inclusion Development Fund or to apply for support, services can visit the Department of Education website or contact the IDFM on 1800 824 955.