The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Relief Package was announced on 2 April 2020 as a temporary measure to ensure the viability of the ECEC Sector and the continued provision of care for children of essential workers and vulnerable children (for the period 6 April to 28 June 2020).

The final report of the rapid review of ASQA's regulatory practices, governance and culture recommends moving from input and compliance controls to a stronger focus on excellence in training outcomes.

This review provides an overview of current approaches to managing school closures, as well as recent literature related to young people learning 'outside of school.' A range of material has been drawn upon to both highlight the educational issues of this learning context, as well as the psychosocial and emotional repercussions.

This research finds that nearly half the national school student population is at risk of having their learning and wellbeing significantly compromised by not being at school because they are in a vulnerable group, due to their young age; social disadvantage; specific needs; or family employment context.

The purpose of this briefing paper is to provide evidence of the likely impact on educational outcomes for vulnerable children learning at home as a result of the COVID-19 response measures, and the merits of a range of delivery models.