As part of its commitment to expanding access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC), the NSW Department of Education is offering targeted support to providers through the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT)—a $20 million program designed to help services test and trial new operating models. To help applicants navigate the competitive grant process, the department is hosting grant-writing workshops on the 25th of September, delivered online via MS Teams.
The FIT program provides funding for eligible ECEC providers to explore flexible service models over a 12-month period. These models may include:
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Extending hours beyond traditional working times
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Offering flexible pick-up and drop-off arrangements
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Establishing new Family Day Care services in remote areas
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Partnering with public preschools to deliver wraparound care
The goal is to better meet the needs of families with non-traditional schedules and support increased workforce participation across NSW.
These interactive sessions are designed to give applicants a strategic edge. Led by the FIT program team, the workshops include:
- Budget planning: Learn how to think big and include all relevant costs
- Timeline development: Structure your initiative for smooth implementation
- Assessment criteria guidance: Understand how to respond effectively to each section of the application
Participants are encouraged to come prepared with ideas for their initiative. A 30-minute pre-recorded information session is also available to watch beforehand, providing foundational knowledge that the live workshop will build upon.
Key Dates to Remember
- Application deadline: 9 October 2025
- Grant delivery begins: January 2026
The Flexible Initiatives Trial is part of the broader NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund, which aims to make childcare more accessible and affordable while empowering providers to innovate. These workshops are a crucial step in ensuring that applicants can submit strong, well-informed proposals that align with the program’s goals.
For more information and to register:Flexible Initiatives Trial Grant Writing Workshops