Martin Place, Sydney, NSW – Wednesday 06 May, 2026
KU Children’s Services has today joined teachers, directors, educators, families, children and fellow providers across New South Wales in supporting the Independent Education Union (IEU) Day of Action, as part of the Start Strong Pay Fair campaign for community preschools.
The Day of Action highlights the urgent need for increased government funding to strengthen workforce retention and prevent further fee increases for families who rely on high-quality early childhood education and care.
Sustained investment in the early childhood sector is critical to ensuring children and families continue to have access to affordable, high-quality services.
“Community preschools play an essential role in supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing in the early years,” said KU Children’s Services CEO Christine Legg.
“However, teachers and educators who work in NSW community preschools do not have pay parity with their colleagues who work in schools or in long day care services, despite a recommendation from the Fair Work Commission for the NSW government to take all necessary action, including reviewing and increasing funding to NSW preschools. Without increased funding, services face ongoing workforce challenges and rising costs that risk being passed on to families.”
KU Children’s Services supports NSW community preschools in their call for fair funding arrangements that recognise the vital role of early childhood teachers and educators.
“High-quality early childhood education depends on a supported, fairly paid and sustainable workforce. Ensuring educators are properly recognised and supported is essential to delivering the outcomes children, families and communities deserve.” Christine Legg said.
ABOUT KU CHILDREN’S SERVICES
KU is one of the largest not for profit and for purpose providers of early education. Established in 1895 as the Kindergarten Union of NSW, KU was the first provider of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Australia and is the nation’s most experienced provider. KU is committed to ensuring children’s safety, rights and best interests remain the paramount consideration in all our decisions and actions.
KU’s vision is to inspire young children’s learning for life. Our purpose is to partner with families and communities to nurture children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Our key strategic priorities include:
- Educational quality
- Thriving professional workforce
- Financially sustainable
- Social responsibility
KU has a long-demonstrated history of providing and supporting high-quality, inclusive early childhood education programs, and continues to lead the way with 141 services and programs in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT, including preschool, kindergarten, long day care, early intervention programs, supported playgroups, allied health services and contracted external inclusion programs. Of the 141 services and programs, 116 are approved early childhood education and care services. KU is contracted to deliver external inclusion programs by:
- The Australian Government to provide support for eligible ECE services for the inclusion of children with additional needs through being the lead Inclusion Agencies in NSW/ACT and QLD and sub-contracted by It Takes a Village in VIC.
- The NSW State Government to provide support to community preschools for the inclusion of children with additional needs.
- Navitas to provide childcare to newly arrived migrants whilst their parents attend English classes.
Our achievements in the NQS Quality Ratings to date, far exceed the national average, with all assessed services rated as Meeting or Exceeding the National Quality Standard. Such is KU’s experience, expertise, and reputation, that we are often requested to provide specialist advice to other providers, peak bodies, the corporate sector, and all levels of Government.
