Over the past two decades there has been substantial expansion of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) provision. This has led to significant expansion of the role of the private sector. Alongside this, there is a substantial evidence base about the importance of highquality, pedagogically appropriate provision, delivered by highly skilled practitioners. This article argues that to provide high-quality ECEC a reconceptualisation of provision for young children within public education is needed. These changes would allow developments to build on previous reforms through an increased role for public provision as a distinct education phase, creating a more highly skilled workforce with clear career pathways and offering a pedagogically appropriate curriculum.