Review of Preschool Funding and Delivery in the Northern Territory

As a strategic action under the Education NT Strategy 2021-2025 PDF (7.6 MB), the Department of Education (the department) committed to designing and implementing a contemporary early childhood system for Territory families, to provide equitable access to quality services.

To deliver this, the department engaged external consultants (Nous Group) to conduct a review into preschool in the Northern Territory (NT).

The review aims to identify optimal models for preschool funding and delivery in the NT to best achieve outcomes for children and families, in the broader context of the early childhood education and care system.

A discussion paper PDF (992.3 KB) was released for public consultation via the NTG Have Your Say website in May 2023.

The consultation period has concluded. Insights from public submissions and targeted consultations, along with extensive research and policy work, have informed the development of the review report.

Read submissions

Timeline for the review

• Understand - initial inquiry into current delivery and context, jurisdictional analysis, literature review and initial targeted stakeholder.
  Complete.
• Design - targeted consultation with stakeholders through site visits, followed by broader public engagement through Have Your Say website.
  Complete.
• Refine - analysis to inform findings and recommendations.
  Complete.
• Deliver – final report to department.
  Complete.
• Transition to implementation – targeted communication about review findings and recommendations and engagement of key stakeholders in implementation design phase.
  To commence in 2024.

Further information

For further information, email Strategic Policy and Reform at policyreview@education.nt.gov.au.