Best Start, Best Life reforms (Pre-Prep Priority Cohorts 2026-2028) consultation

Following VCOSS’ information session with the Department of Education on the Best Start, Best Life reforms (Pre-Prep Priority Cohorts 2026-2028) on 14 May 2025, VCOSS is hosting an online consultation to identify what tailored supports community sector organisations would like from the Department to support the enrolment and participation of priority cohort children in kindergarten/pre-prep in 2026 and 2028.

We know that participation in high-quality early childhood education is one of the most important ways to prevent and disrupt disadvantage.

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is transitioning to Pre-Prep, with programs across Victoria gradually increasing to between 16 and 30 hours of play-based learning per week, led by a qualified teacher.

From 2026 the following priority cohorts will be able to access 16–25 hours of Pre-Prep per week:

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

· Children from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds

· Children who have had contact with child protection services

From 2028, children from priority cohorts such as those with a Commonwealth concession card can access 16–25 hours, and from 2036 all children across Victoria will have access to 30 hours of Pre-Prep.

VCOSS is interested in hearing whether there are any risks you believe the Department may not have considered for priority cohorts through the roll-out of Pre-Prep. We’re also keen to hear how we can empower families and caregivers, and organisations supporting them, to navigate the system and benefit from these reforms.

An agenda and consultation questions will be shared ahead of the meeting. If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact Charlotte Newbold, Policy Advisor at charlotte.newbold@vcoss.org.au.

Auslan

Due to high demand, Victoria is experience a shortage of Auslan interpreters. VCOSS strives to ensure our events are inclusive to everyone and will do our best to secure Auslan interpreters. To help us do this, if you require Auslan for this event, please RSVP as soon as possible so that we can work with Expression Australia to secure interpreters.

About the Victorian Council of Social Service
VCOSS is the peak representative body for Victoria’s social and community sector, and the state’s leading social advocacy organisation. We work towards creating a Victoria that is fair, just and inclusive. A society where nobody is trapped by poverty, and everybody is supported to live a life of wellbeing.

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