More children will get free health and development checks with the Minns Labor Government announcing this week a $7.2 million boost for 881 early childhood education and care services across NSW.

More than 7,000 children have received a free health and development check in their early childhood education and care service since the program began in 2023, with the checks assessing various aspects of the child development, including problem solving skills, listening, talking and, social skills. Physical growth and dental health will also be monitored.

The program aims to make it easier for more services to offer the checks, with eligible services received up to $7,500 to support staffing to support services to deliver the health and development checks, provision of private space to conduct the checks and support to address health and development needs identified through the checks.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car says offering the free checks at early childhood education and care services makes it easier for working families to participate and ensures there is early intervention for students who need it.