This report sets out the Productivity Commission’s draft findings and recommendations to address the barriers that affect access to early childhood education and care services and support better outcomes for children and families.

This report focuses on a number of aspects of the National Quality Framework (NQF) including children’s health and safety, educational program and practice, children from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds, workforce, and service provider perceptions of the NQF.

This second interim report makes draft findings and recommendations regarding the costs of providing childcare services, the nature of competition in childcare markets, the profitability and viability of the sector, and the effectiveness of Australia’s existing price regulation mechanisms in aiding affordability of childcare.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the Commonwealth government’s roles and responsibilities in early childhood education and care, focusing on the last fifty years in preschool and long day care.

This final report contains 43 recommendations and details an ambitious vision for the future of early childhood education and care in South Australia.