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The Conversation
Sally Larsen, Senior Lecturer in Education, University of New England

Despite improvements to early education, more children are starting school developmentally behind. What’s going on?

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So far, 2025 has been a horror year for early education and care. Much of the recent media and political coverage about childcare has focused on safety. This is understandable, given the numerous, shocking allegations of abuse in the sector.

But early childhood education should be doing more than keeping children safe. It is also supposed to help them learn and develop and ultimately, be on track for school.

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