The Federal Department of Education has released its Summary Report following their Four Week Review.

You can download the Federal Department's Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package - Four Week Review (Summary Report 18 May 2020).

A snapshot of the Report refers to:

• the 7,301 (ie 54% of 13,535 services) that responded;
• the Federal Government's objective has been achieved, using the following as results:
  • 99% (or 13,400 services) still operational as of 8 May 2020
  • 86% of services: “to stay open”
  • 76% of services: “to remain financially viable”
  • 86% of services: “to retain staff”
  • 87% of services: “to provide childcare to children of essential workers and vulnerable children”
  • 80% of services: “to keep children enrolled”

There were repeated references in the Report about JobKeeper Payments not being fully realised while the ORIMA Research survey was being conducted.

That said, the Federal Government noted that attendance rates were about 63% of reference period level. And that there was widespread concern about post 28 June 2020 as to how to deal with the increased demand for childcare as well as the anticipated social negatives when “fee-free” childcare is ultimately withdrawn.

PUBLISHED: 18 May 2020