A teacher aide for every Prep class

Every Queensland state school Prep class will have a Prep teacher aide from the beginning of the 2018 school year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Kate Jones visited Coorparoo State School to announce the boost to Prep learning as part of the 2017-18 State Budget.

“Through this Budget we are investing $24.8 million over four years to provide an extra 4000 teacher aide hours per week to allow us to provide a teacher aide for every Prep class for the first time,” the Premier said.

“This is part of our record $9.8 billion education budget and delivers on our commitment to give Queensland children the best start to their education.

“We know Prep teacher aides play a vital role in helping children develop the basic skills they need for learning and interacting with others at school.”

In 2017, almost 600 schools received supplementary resourcing for Prep teacher aides.

From 2018, this allocation of over 100 additional full-time equivalent teacher aides will ensure that prep teachers in our state schools can be supported by a dedicated teacher aide.

Ms Jones said an additional 4000 hours per week would ensure all schools in the state can provide up to 25 hours of teacher aide time per week in Prep classes.

“Participation in Prep improves a child’s educational outcomes and is a critical foundation year for schooling,” she said.

“That is why the Palaszczuk Government legislated to ensure that all Queensland students benefit from a full-time Prep year before starting Year 1.

“More Prep teacher aides will support students to get the most out of this important year of schooling.”

Ms Jones said teacher aides played a valuable role assisting teachers by developing resources, supporting students’ learning, and helping with practical duties in the classroom.

Media contact:      

Premier’s Office: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667                           

Minister Jones:  Emma Clarey 0437 069 516