Early Childhood Early childhood School Readiness Funding rolls out

The first tranche of services who received school readiness funding (SRF) for 2019 have now undertaken their planning, conducted a mid-year review, purchased items from the menu of evidence and allied health, and will begin planning for 2020 along with the second tranche of services in September.

The eight areas who will receive SRF in 2020 includes Goulburn (Greater Shepparton City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Strathbogie Shire and Hume Moreland (Hume City, Moreland City).

In 2019, the initial planning data indicated that services used their SRF as such: 70% on menu items, 24% on DET contracted allied health services and 6% on local priorities.

The SRF is permanent equity-based funding for early years education, supporting children and families in communities that need it most to build on existing foundations of communication, wellbeing, access and inclusion. Three-year-old kindergarten services will also be included.

Educators are already starting to see the significant impact SRF is having, not only to further develop their own professional knowledge and skills, but also to continue to deliver high quality programs that optimise the learning of children. This is particularly important for children who experience educational disadvantage, although the funding is also enhancing opportunities for all children and their families to be supported in the three priority areas: communication, wellbeing, access and inclusion.

Timeline for 2020

September
• Menu of evidence released.
• Kindergarten services receiving funding in 2020 will be advised of their funding allocations.
• New online tool launched.

October
• DET support services with planning for SRF in 2020.
• Kindergartens submit plans.

November – January
• DET advises services of plan approvals for 2020.

Early 2020
• Kindergartens receive SRF for 2020.

For more information on SRF, click here.