My visit to Darwin and Alice Springs provided a great opportunity to gain some understanding and experience of preschool education in the Northern Territory.

Two forums were held, one in Darwin and one in Alice Springs. I was pleased to meet with and hear from a number of people representing groups including, early intervention, Indigenous educators, preschool teachers, government representatives from both a territory and federal level representing the departments of education and family and community services and health.

I also visited a number of schools and early childhood programs in Darwin and Alice Springs and was pleased to speak with principals, teachers, teacher aids and parents about their experiences and perspectives on preschool education within the urban and remote areas of the territory.

It appeared that a range of programs and initiatives take place across the Territory and it was interesting to note some of the innovative projects between child care, preschool and schools taking place, as well as initiatives underway that reflect different government departments working together.

I was disturbed to receive feedback that indicated that many children are not accessing a preschool year and that many preschool programs in remote areas are infrequent, and as a consequence lack of access and equity issues are significant. It appeared also that many children of preschool age were not being provided with appropriate early intervention for a range of conditions including hearing.

I was struck by the enormous commitment and energy by the people I met who are working with programs and children in the preschool area. I was concerned that despite this commitment there appears to be great gaps in availability, access and equity for children and families in the provision of a high quality preschool education program across the Territory.

Kathy Walker