SCHOOLS WELL EQUIPPED WITH TOYS FOR PREP

State schools are being well resourced with books and toys for the start of the Prep Year in 2007, Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford said today.

“We are providing a total of $15.8 million over the next two years to schools specifically for resources for Prep such as books and toys,” Mr Welford said.

“Suggestions by the Opposition that schools are ‘begging’ for toys are ridiculous.

“We have allocated $600 per head for each new Prep student for resources such as toys and books to support the play-based curriculum.

“There is also a $100 per head amount for students at schools which have had existing pre-schools and have already developed well-stocked toy cupboards.

“A list of recommended resources has been sent to state schools and this list includes a very large list of toys ranging from balls to puzzles, card and educational games.

“The claim carried in a weekend newspaper that Milton State School and Wilston State School in Brisbane are ‘begging’ for toys for Prep is quite silly.

“Milton State School has asked parents to pass on their ‘pre-loved’ toys every year for at least the past five years rather than throwing them out.

“This is a sensible approach for items such as dress-up clothes.

“Their recent appeal was not initiated by the Prep Year and I am disappointed that anyone would try to denigrate the name of this great local school for political purposes.

“Similarly, in September under a spring-clean theme, Wilston State School asked parents to provide any used toys rather than throwing them out.”

Mr Welford said the new early years’ curriculum for Prep had been developed by the Queensland Studies Authority.

“The curriculum is based on a ‘play and inquiry’ approach to learning,” he said.

“Children learn when they play because they’re making decisions, solving problems, communicating and developing thinking skills.”

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000