Launched in 2022, Play2Learn+ is a targeted early years and parenting service, delivered state-wide in Tasmania under a new, co-funded Payment by Outcomes model.
We know that having the right conditions at home, and participating in quality early learning gives children the best start in life. But despite great intentions, some children still miss out. In fact, the children most likely to benefit from early learning - children facing socioeconomic hardship, developmental delays, or social exclusion - are the least likely to access or engage in these services.
Traditional service models have not been enough to close this gap, and too many children’s rights to healthy development remain at risk across Australia.
If we’re serious about upholding the rights of all children, we need a new approach - because only by doing things differently can we create different outcomes.
Play2Learn+ is a targeted early years service for Tasmanian children aged 3–4 years who face complex barriers to early childhood education.
By supporting children and families to participant confidently in the early education system in the critical year before school, we’re upholding their right to a fair start in their early years and a more equal chance to thrive for life.
In a first for early childhood in Australia, the service is co-funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services and the Paul Ramsay Foundation under a Payment by Outcomes contract – tying part payment to the achievement of agreed success measures.
Play2Learn+ has worked with 300 children across Tasmania. The service is:
“I’m so grateful to [my worker] for her knowledge and experience, especially during such tough times my family is going through. Thank you for allowing myself and my son to be a part of the program” - Caregiver
As Australia’s first early childhood Payment by Outcomes (PBO) initiative, Play2Learn+ ties 30% of total available income ($7.6M) to the achievement of agreed success measures - not activities. This means the service is held accountable for:
Every family is different. Our qualified social workers and early childhood educators personalise support to each family’s goals, working holistically and flexibly through:
I have a big smile... I’m super happy! Because she’s playing with me! That’s a heart. Because I love her. - Alex, 3
Since launch, Play2Learn+ has become a statewide specialist service in Tasmania for children and families facing complex barriers to universal early childhood education. Our evaluation has shown:
Play2Learn+ is showing what’s possible when we do things differently: relational, intentional and adaptive practice, a bold funding model, and real accountability for outcomes.
“Play2Learn+ has enormous potential in giving kids an early ‘off-ramp’ from the cycle of disadvantage—before they’ve even set foot in a school.” - Chief Portfolio Officer, Paul Ramsay Foundation
We're working to build on the pilot's early success — to take what’s working and make even more positive impact. By reaching those most at-risk of starting kindergarten behind, we’re can ensure they have the confidence, skills and support to benefit fully from the universal services already on offer, and get a stronger start to life.
Play2Learn+ is an invitation to government, philanthropy and major givers to step up and help build a more inclusive early learning system — one that invests not just in services, but in children’s rights and outcomes.
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54 reasons acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we work, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their lore, and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
54 reasons is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of the LGBTIQ+ community.
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