Delivering universal access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) will benefit families, children and society. However, the value of universal access will not be realised without prioritising service quality.

The Front Project analysed the relationship between high-quality ECEC services and staffing conditions, particularly in low SES communities where we know children have the most to gain. We found that staffing conditions that are above the award, established via collaboration between employers, government and unions, lead to high-quality services that deliver positive outcomes for children.