Julia Davison was the founding CEO of Goodstart Early Learning, the not-for-profit organisation formed by a syndicate of leading community sector organisations to purchase and operate more than 650 of the former ABC Learning Centres.

Julia has extensive senior management experience in the health and public sectors in Australia and the UK. She has a strong interest in public policy, having completed a Masters in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a passionate advocate for investment in the early years, better access and high quality provision.

In her tenure at Goodstart Julia has led the creation of a unique social enterprise – an at scale organisation with a turnover of $1.3 billion that is driven by its purpose to ensure that young children have the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life. She has also enabled educators to lift the quality of the services they provide and enabled a more inclusive organisation where no child is turned away.

From 2013 to 2020 Megan served as Australia’s first National Children’s Commissioner. In this role, she focused on the rights and interests of children, and the programs, policies and laws that impact on them. As Commissioner, Megan conducted a number of focused investigations into human rights issues for children, monitored and reported on Australia’s performance in promoting the rights of children in line with its international obligations and led the development of national principles for child safe organisations.

Previously, Megan was the NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People and has had an extensive career in senior leadership positions in child protection and out of home care, disability, juvenile justice and early childhood services. Megan was also the CEO of the Australian Council for Social Service for a number of years.

Megan holds post graduate qualifications in Psychology, Social Policy and Education, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is currently working in research and consultancy roles, undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney and serving as a director on a number of government and non-government boards.

The Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board (the Board) met on Thursday 22 February 2024, online via Microsoft Teams.

The Board considered the financial report with the current funding profile and financial status of the Fund.

The Board approved the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Grants Framework (the Framework) and associated checklists, noting that the checklists have been developed to support implementation of the NSW Grants Administration Guide.

The Board also approved the recommended applications submitted as part of round 1 of the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT) and noted that round 2 of the program is scheduled to open for submissions in the second quarter of 2024. The FIT program aims to address barriers to parental workforce participation, improve accessibility of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and support the ECEC workforce and sector by promoting flexible approaches to service delivery.

The Board noted the updated program guidelines for the Business Capability Development Program (BCDP). The BCDP aims to improve viability and sustainability of services operated by small ECEC providers in identified priority locations through tailored business capability support. It is anticipated that the program will be open to submissions later in 2024.

The Board discussed, and provided strategic input, to develop priorities for the first strategic investment plan which will guide decision making over the 3-year period from the 2024-25 financial year. The identification of priority areas for investment and key enablers for achieving the Fund objectives was made, using the Board-endorsed assessment approach.

The Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board (the Board) met on Thursday 21 March 2024, online via Microsoft Teams.

The Board considered updates on CEO Fund programs and a quarterly risk management report. Updated governance arrangements were approved to ensure advice on the development and delivery of programs can be provided through the recently revised internal Department of Education governance.

The Board approved the updated program guidelines for the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT) program. The guidelines were reviewed following consultation with relevant stakeholders and incorporated learnings from Round 1 of the program. The guidelines meet the requirements of the updated NSW Government’s Grants Administration Guide and will be in place for Round 2 of FIT applications.

The Board considered priorities for the first Strategic Investment Plan, which will guide investment decisions over a 3-year period from the 2024-25 financial year. The Board approved priorities, and high-level program areas that target these, for consideration by government and inclusion in the Strategic Investment Plan.

The Board discussed possible initiatives to support the early childhood education and care workforce and considered linkages with work already underway within the department. The Board endorsed further development focusing on workforce retention and attraction to be developed under the Strategic Investment Plan.

Finally, the Board noted progress and estimated timeframes for delivery of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Strategy; and received advice as to the potential high-level qualitative and quantitative incremental benefits that could be achieved through 10 years of Fund investment.

The Board considered the business case for a trial program to provide capital works grants to support the delivery of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) places in areas of high need. The Board endorsed the program and guidelines, which will proceed to the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning and NSW Treasurer for consideration.

The Board received an update on the status of the Capital Feasibility and Market Assessment Study and how it will support a number of proposed programs. The study aims to identify how best to solve the undersupply of ECEC places in NSW by gaining a greater understanding of the ECEC capital/property market across NSW and capital-related barriers that reduce expansion or establishment of new services.

The Board considered a business case for a proposed ECEC research program which aims to increase the evidence base available to guide Fund investment and ensure a measurable impact. The Board endorsed this trial program, which will proceed to the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning and NSW Treasurer for consideration.

The Board provided further input for the draft Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Strategy and Strategic Investment Plan to allow for finalisation and submission to government by 30 June 2024. The strategy outlines the key challenges facing the ECEC sector and the focus areas that will support the Fund to address these challenges. The Board noted the benefits assessment based on the proposed investment.

Finally, the Board considered headline success measures needed to monitor progress of the Fund in achieving its principal objectives. Potential measures were discussed for further development and consideration by the Board in May.

The Board were presented with options for the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Subcommittee to the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board. These options, identified through internal consultation, were developed as a reflection of the Boards recognition of the importance of effective consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cohorts in the development of priorities and programs for the Fund. The options presented contained differing levels of representation from stakeholder bodies and involvement in engagement. The endorsed options will now be further explored through targeted stakeholder consultation.

The Board received an update on the development of the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Research Program Guidelines. The guidelines are aligned with the 2024 Grant Administration Guide and include an overarching framework for the ECEC Research Program and program streams.

The Board noted an update on the Business Capability Development Program (BCDP). This included information on participation rates for ECEC services attending online information sessions and applications received to participate in the program. An update on the status of procurement aspects of the program was also provided.

The Board considered input from government on strategic priorities for ECEC, to finalise the Strategic Investment Plan.

The Board considered the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Research Program guidelines. The research program aims to generate ECEC research to address evidence gaps relevant to the Childcare and Economic Opportunity (CEO) Fund objective of increasing participation in the State’s workforce, particularly for women, by making quality ECEC more affordable and accessible. The Board endorsed the guidelines, which will proceed to the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning for consideration.

The Board provided strategic input into a communications and engagement approach for the Fund to ensure information on the Fund purpose and initiatives is available for stakeholders.

The CEO Fund’s first Strategic Investment Plan was prepared by the Board taking into account the independent market monitoring report and the NSW Government’s strategic priorities for ECEC. The Board considered the finalised Strategic Investment Plan, economic analysis of the Plan and proposed headline measures of success. The Board endorsed the Strategic Investment Plan for progression to the Deputy Premier and Treasurer for approval.

The Board formally noted its approval of program participants into the Business Capability Development Program (BCDP) – as recommended by the grant assessment panel. The BCDP will provide key staff at participating ECEC services with up to 170 hours of tailored support across two program stages in business leadership and service management. Participating services will be eligible for access payments to facilitate their participation in the program which can be used to backfill staff and/or supplement wage expenses for staff participating outside of work hours.

The Board also formally noted its approval for the engagement of a program partner for BCDP. The program partner will work with each participating service in Stage 1 of the program for up to 12 hours to undertake a gaps, needs and opportunities analysis to determine priority areas for capability uplift in Stage 2. Additionally, the program partner will recommend and coordinate activities across Stage 2.

The Board received updates on Round 2 applications for the Flexible Initiatives Trial and the progress of the Building Early Childhood Education and Care Places Program.

The Board received an update on the preparation of financial statements and end of year audit processes.

The Board noted the proposed approach for the development and public release of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity (CEO) Fund Annual Report, recognising the opportunity it provided to articulate the purpose, rationale and achievements of the Fund.

The Board will provide strategic input into the communications and engagement strategy, considering the timing of the Annual Report release.

The Board received updates on the progress of the First Steps – the NSW Aboriginal Children’s Early Childhood Education Strategy 2021-2025. Plans to incorporate learnings from the program evaluation into future strategy was noted. The Board also noted the ongoing development of subcommittee of the Board in collaboration with NSW Department of Education's Gudjagang Gulgul Early Childhood Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.

The Board formally noted the proposed examination of opportunities to address areas in NSW, and particular cohorts in communities, that are currently not able to easily access early childhood education or care places. This work will include consideration of locations, service needs and types of service models.

The Board received an update on investigations into geographical areas and specific cohorts experiencing significant barriers in accessing quality early childhood education and care. The Board considered options, and provided strategic input into various approaches that might address issues in under-served areas. The intersection of the Fund’s initiatives and public preschool investment was also discussed.

The Board reviewed the draft NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Annual Report 2023-2024, including the audited Financial Statements, and provided feedback.

The Board received a presentation from the Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal on its final report into undersupply of the early childhood education and care sector, and considered how this report may inform future work of the Board.

The Board endorsed the expansion of the eligibility for the Building ECEC Places Program to include Aboriginal and Community Controlled Services statewide and approved the updated program guidelines.

At the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board (the Board) meeting held on Thursday 24 August 2023 at 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh, the Board received updates on various matters relating to the Fund.

An update on the Board’s instrument of delegation was provided and approved by the Board.

The Board discussed and provided input on the risk appetite statement. This also included a discussion around alignment of the risk policy and framework with the NSW Department of Education’s policies.

The Board discussed and endorsed program guidelines for the Early Childhood Education and Care Flexible Initiatives Trial, which will proceed to the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning and NSW Treasury for approval. The Board also discussed a Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (the Fund) communications and engagement plan, which will include the launch of the new program, if approved.

The Board endorsed an overview of planned stakeholder engagement for the first Strategic Investment Plan, a key deliverable for the Board under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022.

Prepared by: Simone Walker, Chairperson, Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board

At the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board (the Board) meeting held on Thursday 23 November 2023 at 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh, the Board received updates on various matters relating to the Fund.

The Board approved the pilot of a framework to support the application of the NSW Grants Administration Guide to Fund programs.

The Board noted the launch of the first Fund program, the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT) and the status of Fund programs and priorities for 2023-24. The FIT is the first in a suite of programs to be delivered under the Fund, including providing $500 per child of fee relief to 3-year old children attending eligible preschool programs in long day care centres, effective from early 2024. Additional programs will be made available over the coming months to support uplift related to workforce, capital works and localised responses to demand.

A proposal for a new program to enhance the viability and sustainability of NSW Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services was discussed. The program aims to uplift workforce business leadership and management capabilities. The Board endorsed the program through a business case and program guidelines, which will proceed to the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning and NSW Treasurer for approval.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) provided a briefing to the Board on its interim report into its review of early childhood education and care in NSW.

The Board discussed risk management and endorsed a shared audit and risk committee arrangement be considered by the Department of Education. The Board also noted progress in development of an enterprise risk register for the Fund and engaged in discussion and provided strategic input around the identified risks.

Finally, the Board discussed and endorsed progress on development of the Fund’s first Strategic Investment Plan, part of a 10-year strategy for the Fund. The Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022 requires the Board to prepare the first Strategic Investment Plan by 30 June 2024.

Prepared by: Mark Barraket, Chairperson, Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board

The Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board (the Board) met on Friday 15 December 2023, online via Microsoft Teams.

The Board discussed, and provided strategic input, to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) market assessment and capital feasibility study. The study will take a longterm view and identify capital and property related drivers across ECEC services in NSW.

The Board noted the preliminary development and scoping of a 2023-24 capital works trial program to drive growth of not-for-profit ECEC services in high demand areas. This initiative is expected to fund capital works grants ahead of broader capital initiatives being developed for delivery in future years as part of the Strategic Investment Plan.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) provided a briefing to the Board on the independent market monitoring review of the childcare sector market. The Board commissioned IPART to undertake the independent review required under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022 as input to the development of strategic investment plans.

The Board was briefed on issues and options related to coordination and advisory services that can support the establishment or expansion of ECEC services. The Board endorsed further work on options to address local needs.

Lastly, the Board discussed and endorsed progress on development of the Fund’s first strategic investment plan. This included endorsement of priority areas, the options analysis framework and the approach to an economic analysis of the plan.