Extra support for Preppies in 2015

Next year’s Prep students will benefit from more teacher aide support, creating a stronger foundation and better learning experience, as part of the Queensland Government’s strong plan for education.

Premier Campbell Newman and Minister for Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek announced the third round of funding to deliver an extra 2,250 Prep teacher aide hours per week in 2015.

“This Government has a strong plan to revitalise frontline services and we’re delivering on our election promise to invest $54 million over four-years for more Prep teacher aides,” Mr Newman said.

“A brighter future for our youngest Queenslanders is ours for the taking and this investment will set the foundation for life-long learning and success.

“Thousands of Preppies in state schools across Queensland are already benefitting from the additional support available each day, and we’re ensuring this benefit continues throughout 2015.”

Minister for Training, Employment John-Paul Langbroek said 471 Prep classrooms in 127 schools across the state would directly reap the rewards of extra teacher aide time in 2015.

“This year we have again targeted schools with the greatest need, including many schools in regional and remote areas,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The Queensland Government knows how important it is to invest in the early years of school to set the foundation for life-long learning and success.

“Teacher aides play a critical role in Prep classrooms and by funding more teacher aide hours we’re ensuring children have extra support to develop learning and social skills from an early age.

“When it came to student outcomes, Labor’s only response to poor results in some schools was to make excuses.

“We know however, that a solid foundation in the early years helps ensure improved outcomes and smooth transitions from study to training and work, all the way from crayon to career.”

Kuluin State School Principal Dale Wolfenden said extra teacher aide time in Prep classrooms had delivered great results for the school’s Preppies in 2014.

“We have five Prep classes at Kuluin State School and our teacher aides play an important role in supporting our classroom teachers and providing one-on-one learning support,” Mr Wolfenden said.

“Next year we will receive almost 30 additional hours of Prep teacher aide time and I know our youngest students will greatly benefit from the extra support.”

Mr Langbroek said the $54 million investment in boosting Prep Teacher aide hours had already provided significant benefits to Queensland children.

“In 2013, the first year of the initiative, 152 Prep classes in more than 100 schools benefitted from additional teacher aide hours,” Mr Langbroek said.

“This year another 2,250 hours per week were allocated to 384 Prep classes in 69 schools.”

To find out more go to www.education.qld.gov.au/boosting-prep.html

[ENDS] 23 June 2014

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3719 7000   

Minister Langbroek – Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652