This report provides an overview of the early childhood education and care sector in New South Wales, including issues relating to safety, quality, workforce, regulatory framework, data collection and the experiences of children with disability. The report finds the system is under strain and makes a range of recommendations for improvement.

The Starting Better Guarantee was a national goal to make Australia the best place to be a child and raise a family. It proposed an entitlement to a set of high-quality, affordable and connected services in the early years. This report shows the wins achieved and the priorities ahead to realise the Guarantee in full.

Progress in Closing the Gap has been slow. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes 17 socio-economic outcome areas with 19 targets. This audit focuses on activities related to the three outcome areas for schooling and early childhood development, which comprise Targets 3, 4 and 5. It provides four recommendations.

This essay critically examines the intersection of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Social Determinants of Health relating to Early Childhood Development and social inclusion for children. It explores the role of social workers in co-creating Protective and Compensatory Experiences through their practice to support children’s lifelong positive health outcomes.