The Department of Education has released the final report from the review into In Home Care.
In Home Care provides access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) for families that cannot access other services because they:
- are geographically isolated
- work non-standard hours
- have complex and challenging needs.
In March 2023, we commissioned an independent external review of IHC. The review’s aims were to examine:
- access
- affordability
- quality
- future program arrangements.
The final report was published today on our website.
It found IHC partially met its objective.
However, the report stated the program was hampered by workforce shortages, affordability, and access issues. It recommended the program is tailored to serve the three cohorts it seeks to serve.
The report:
- made 16 findings across 4 themes
- identified 14 key opportunities across 5 focus areas.
The report will inform the:
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into ECEC prices
- Productivity Commission inquiry into the ECEC sector.
Read the final report from the In Home Care review on our website.