The POM assesses the key domains of oral language and literacy executive function – 2 important areas that support children’s language and problem-solving skills.

The National Applied Trial (NAT) is part of the development and trial process for the POM tool. Hundreds of NSW early childhood education and care (ECEC) services will be invited to participate in NAT of the POM between June and September 2025, testing the tool within their service.

At the end of this process, ACER will deliver a validated formative assessment, a set of learning progressions, and a series of professional development resources.

Findings from the NAT will inform the continued development and refinement of the POM tool.

The Preschool Outcomes Measure is a joint initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments. To formative assessment tool is being developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in partnership with Goodstart Early Learning and Ninti One.

Services participating in the NAT will use the POM tool during a specified period within the broader trial window of June−September 2025.

Participants will be asked to provide feedback about different aspects of their experience using the tool to help further develop and refine the POM.

Participating services will receive professional development to support the understanding of formative assessment, how to use the tool, and the 2 domains being assessed.

During the NAT, participating preschool programs will be prepared and supported through:

• Professional development workshops completed prior to trial participation
• Access to online self-paced resources throughout the trial via the Preschool Learning Management System (LMS)
• Access to Helpdesk support via phone and email during business hours of the trial (the Preschool Support Centre)
• A searchable online Helpdesk with articles, user guide materials and video demonstrations.