Allowances · MA000120

Educational Leader Allowance Explained

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 4 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000120

Every approved service must designate an educational leader under the National Quality Framework — and the Children's Services Award MA000120 requires that role to be paid an allowance. It is one of the most commonly missed payments in the sector.

Under MA000120, an employee appointed as the educational leader for 5 or more days a week is paid an allowance of $4,784.28 per year, with a pro-rata amount for fewer days. The allowance is on top of the employee's classification rate and recognises the additional responsibility of the educational-leader role required under the National Quality Framework.

Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000120. Next review 2027-07-01.

Educational Leader — At a Glance

5+ days a week: $4,784.28 per year
Fewer days: pro-rata
Paid on top of the classification rate

Who Gets the Allowance

Approved education and care services must designate a suitably-qualified educational leader to lead the development and implementation of the educational program. Where an employee is appointed to that role, MA000120 requires the allowance to be paid — on top of their ordinary classification rate.

How Much and How It Is Pro-Rated

For an educational leader appointed 5 or more days a week, the allowance is $4,784.28 per year. Where the role is performed for fewer days, a pro-rata amount applies based on the number of days. It is an annual allowance, typically apportioned across pay periods.

Why It Gets Missed

Because the educational-leader duty is a regulatory requirement, services often appoint someone without adjusting their pay. The allowance is separate from any higher classification and must be paid whenever the role is held — backdating missed payments is a common remediation.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

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Appointing an educational leader without paying the allowance. The role attracts the allowance whenever it is held.
✗
Not pro-rating correctly. Fewer than 5 days a week means a pro-rata amount, not nothing.
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Assuming a higher classification covers it. The allowance is separate from the classification rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the educational leader allowance in 2026?
$4,784.28 per year for an educational leader appointed 5 or more days a week under MA000120, with a pro-rata amount for fewer days.
Is the educational leader allowance on top of the base rate?
Yes — it is paid in addition to the employee’s classification rate, recognising the extra responsibility of the role.
Does every childcare service need an educational leader?
Yes — the National Quality Framework requires approved services to designate an educational leader, and MA000120 requires that role to be paid the allowance.
How is the allowance pro-rated for part-time leaders?
Based on the number of days a week the educational-leader role is performed, scaled from the 5-day figure of $4,784.28 per year.

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Educational Leader Allowance Explained — FAQ

How much is the educational leader allowance in 2026? $4,784.28 per year for an educational leader appointed 5 or more days a week under MA000120, with a pro-rata amount for fewer days.

Is the educational leader allowance on top of the base rate? Yes — it is paid in addition to the employee’s classification rate, recognising the extra responsibility of the role.

Does every childcare service need an educational leader? Yes — the National Quality Framework requires approved services to designate an educational leader, and MA000120 requires that role to be paid the allowance.

How is the allowance pro-rated for part-time leaders? Based on the number of days a week the educational-leader role is performed, scaled from the 5-day figure of $4,784.28 per year.