Early childhood inquiry underway

By Sally Edsall

The Australian Education Union (AEU) has engaged Kathy Walker, of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, to conduct an independent inquiry into pre school education across Australia.

It is estimated that nationally about 40,000 children are missing out on pre school education. Of those, it appears that about 30,000 are in NSW. However, no-one knows with any degree of certainty, as no accurate reporting method exists within Australia.

On March 2, the AEU held a forum in Sydney at which Ms Walker outlined the intent and purpose of the review, and invited contributions from a variety of people representing the early childhood sector. These included community based organisations and advocacy groups, parent organisations, the Department of Education and Training and principals of public schools. The forum addressed the terms of reference of the Inquiry.

On March 3, Kathy Walker visited four sites -- two DET pre schools in the Mt Druitt area, a community based pre school at Darlinghurst, and a long day care centre in central Sydney which operates a pre school program. She spoke to teachers, parents, principals and directors and was able to gain an appreciation of the enormous complexity of early childhood provision in NSW.

Ms Walker is undertaking similar visits to each of the eight states and territories in Australia. Her report is due to be launched in May this year.

Submissions to the Inquiry are welcome. They can take the form of an email or letter and can be sent at the same web address as the terms of reference can be found, http://www.aeufederal.org.au/Ec/inquiry.html.

Sally Edsall is a Research Officer.

For further information

March 2004 contents