An independent evaluation of the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education is being undertaken in 2010-2014 to assess its effectiveness in achieving universal access outcomes. This evaluation annual report shows progress to 31 December 2009 and includes a literature review, evaluation framework and an exploration of challenges, including data.

It should be noted that significant caveats exist around the data used in the report and that it should be read in conjunction with the footnotes provided. It is neither possible nor appropriate to compare data as there is currently no national consistency around its collection.