We assessed each OPF organisational measure by mapping the available data and performance information sources. We mapped DET’s available collection systems and processes at a high level and did not conduct a detailed review of each data source’s available fields.

We also mapped EYM organisation’s data collection systems and processes based on a survey of audited EYM organisations, their advice and DET’s existing reporting requirements. Figure F1 shows our results.

We tested four of the OPF’s 31 organisational measures using available data and performance information to review their relevance and appropriateness for assessing EYM organisations’ performance.

We assessed each organisational measure in the OPF using the Productivity Commission’s service logic model. Figure D1 shows our results.

Click the link below to open or download a PDF copy of Figure D1: Our assessment of OPF organisational measures using the RoGs service logic model.

We have consulted with City of Whittlesea, DET, Early Childhood Management Services, Glen Eira City Council, Glen Eira Kindergarten Association, Goodstart Early Learning Services, Goulburn Region Preschool Association, Greater Shepparton City Council and Try Australia and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those agencies and asked for their submissions and comments.

Conclusion

DET and EYM organisations have made progress in implementing the policy framework. However, DET’s ability to target finite resources to the areas of greatest need is diminished while it does not have a comprehensive understanding of the gaps, challenges and emerging issues in the EYM program.

Conclusion

The EYM program is unlikely to reach its full potential while DET is not effectively overseeing EYM organisations to ensure that they are delivering quality services to young children, as envisioned in its policy framework.

DET is unable to measure the impact of the policy framework’s objectives because it has not set clear performance expectations for EYM organisations. There are also inherent weaknesses in the design of the policy framework’s OPF, and DET is not usefully collecting, analysing and reporting on the information it does have.

Quality early learning has a positive impact on a person’s schooling and adulthood. Recognising this, both the Victorian and Australian governments provide a significant amount of funding for kindergarten services.

In 2016, DET introduced the policy framework to improve kindergarten services across the state.

Starting in 2020, the Victorian Government is investing what will amount to almost $5 billion over the next 10 years to give children access to funded three-year-old kindergarten.

FIGURE F1: SRP inputs that we assessed