Early Years Summit

Recently, BSL Executive Director, Travers McLeod was one of 100 people invited to take part in the Early Years Summit in Canberra, highlighting the Albanese Government’s commitments to national reform in the early years space.

The Summit represents the start of developing an Early Years Strategy to be released by the Federal Government later this year.

Research has shown that the early years of a child's life are crucial for their development and continued success over their lifetime. Trav reported that there was considerable consensus at the Summit on a unified way forward to improve how we approach early years development in Australia.

“Many spoke about the need for a national promise or guarantee for young children and families,” said Trav.

BSL has a long history of empowering children, families and communities to build capability and confidence. This includes the work of HIPPY Australia , the integrated family and children's centres we partner with, and our support for children with developmental delay or disability within the NDIS . BSL is also a founding syndicate partner for Goodstart Early Learning and looks forward to ensuring the new Early Years Strategy is focused on children facing multiple barriers in lfe.

“We know an integrated and inclusive approach to early childhood development and education – beginning at birth and spanning both formal early childhood services and home-based support – can counter family disadvantage, stop at-risk children and families from falling through the gaps, and ensure all children have the becost possible start in life,” said Trav.

“If done well, the strategy will be life-changing for families and communities and a launchpad for Australia's future prosperity.”

Make your contribution to the Early Years Strategy

To help form this strategy, the Federal Government is inviting feedback and ideas until Friday 3 March. To take part, visit https://engage.dss.gov.au/early-years-strategy/