Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: $10,000 to $14,000
- Application opened: 29 June 2026
- Application closed: 17 July 2026
Program objective
This is a closed process for eligible Early Learning services to register their participation in the Preschool Outcomes Measure 2026/27 Pilot of the National tool and receive the Preschool Outcomes Measure participation Grant. Eligible services were identified by the NSW Department of Education.
For more information, please refer to the National partnerships website to view the guidelines and further information relating to the Preschool Outcomes Measure 2026/27 Pilot.
This program is administered by Department of Education.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Services can register for participation if they meet the below eligibility criteria:
- services must accept and comply with the Early Childhood Outcomes Programs - Funding Agreement - Terms and Conditions - 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027 (Terms and Tonditions)
- Services must have a current quality rating against the National Quality Standard of
- Meeting the NQS
- Exceeding the NQS; or
- Excellent
- Services must not have any unresolved matters with the NSW Early Learning Commission
- Services must complete the application for by 11:59pm 17 July 2026
Types of projects funded under this grant
Participating Early Learning services must only use the funding (up to $14,000 ex GST) for:
Tools and Technology - Including tablets and other electronic devices, internet access to support pilot participation and evaluation.
Educational resources - To support educators and teachers in administering the assessment tool.
Staffing, salary and wages - To relieve teachers and educators who are participating in professional development and for educators and teachers participating in the pilot and evaluation activities
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Early Learning services wishing to participate in the Pilot must complete and submit the departments application form via SmartyGrants by 11:59pm 17 July 2026.
No late applications will be accepted.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Early Learning Services must complete their application form via SmartyGrants.
The NSW Department of Education will conduct the assessment process, and outcomes will be advised to services by 30 July 2026.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Early Childhood Outcomes, NSW Department of Education
For further information on eligibility requirements and the application assessment process, please refer to the Program Guidelines.
Anticipated assessment outcome date is 30 July 2026
Support and contact
For questions, feedback or complaints on the application process, please contact the department by:
- Calling 1800 619 113
- Emailing: ececd@det.nsw.edu.au
An officer within the Early Childhood Outcomes will consider and respond to your enquiry.