$3 million boost to support flexible early learning options for NSW families

More than $3 million has been allocated to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across New South Wales, as part of the third round of the state’s Flexible Initiatives Trial,  a program designed to support working families by delivering more convenient, community-responsive early learning options.

The latest investment, announced by the NSW Government, will benefit 28 early learning providers, including 20 located in regional and remote communities and six in Western Sydney. In total, the new funding is expected to support up to 840 children and their families.

The trial enables services to explore and implement flexible approaches tailored to the needs of local families, such as:

• Supporting seven family day care providers to establish new educator roles in rural and remote locations;
• Creating 18 new educator positions in community preschools to offer extended hours of care; and
• Expanding outside school hours care and holiday programs across four public schools for up to 120 children.

Now in its third year, the Flexible Initiatives Trial is the first grants program delivered under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund, and reflects the NSW Government’s broader commitment to strengthening access, affordability and workforce sustainability across the sector.

Previous funding rounds have included initiatives such as flexible pick-up and drop-off times, expanded availability of care where demand is highest, and increased access to family day care in underserved communities.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the program directly addresses the needs of working families.

“Our Flexible Initiatives Trial is all about giving working families all across NSW better access to affordable and quality early learning services which meet their needs,” Ms Houssos said.

She reaffirmed the Government’s aim to ensure access to early learning is equitable and inclusive, regardless of postcode or income.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, wants every family to have access to high quality early learning, regardless of where they live or what they earn,” she said.

The initiative complements a suite of long-term investments in the sector, including:

• $769 million to build 100 new public preschools, the largest single investment in public preschool infrastructure in NSW history; and
• $60 million to build and upgrade preschools at non-government schools in areas of high demand.

The funding identifies the role of flexible, accessible early learning in supporting workforce participation, child development, and community wellbeing, and reflects ongoing government focus on meeting the evolving needs of NSW families.  

Read the media release here.