Published Sunday, 07 September, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
$1.4M boost to improve literacy and numeracy for disadvantaged children
On the eve of Child Protection Week, the Bligh Government has welcomed a $1.4 million grant to help boost literacy and numeracy skills in primary school children in the care of the state.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Federal Government funding would support a pilot program to teach foster carers in low socio-economic areas intervention and support strategies to help at-risk students.
“We welcome the Federal Government’s support for this literacy and numeracy program which will complement existing intervention programs in our schools,” Mr Welford said.
“At-risk students often lag behind their peers in literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for all students to succeed in their schooling and in life.
“The program aims to accelerate their achievement rate and to promote positive and sustained results.
“It’s imperative that every Queensland child, no matter what their circumstances, has the best possible opportunity to enjoy the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy to help fulfil their potential.”
Mr Welford said the program would include a skills development course, aimed at foster carers and volunteer carers with children from 4 to 12 years.
“The pilot program will have a family and child centred approach, by training carers in numeracy and literacy interventions,” he said.
“This is about enhancing leadership by improving foster carer and school partnerships. The training will commence in the first half of 2009 and will be provided by selected Education Queensland teachers.
“At first, the training will be delivered across the Ipswich and Western, and Logan and Brisbane West Child Safety zones. Then it will be extended to the remaining zones across Queensland.”
Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said the new program demonstrates the innovation and commitment of the Bligh Government towards child safety.
“Child Protection week starts today and this a terrific way to kick off this very important week – a new initiative for at risk children and our wonderful band of foster carers,” Mrs Keech said.
“When children come into care some are already behind in school due to the abuse or neglect they have suffered.
“It is crucial we enhance the educational opportunities for these kids and Education Queensland has partnered with Child Safety to create this innovative new program.
“Foster carers are community heroes and they help to transform the lives of our children in care.
“By training foster carers in numeracy and literacy educational techniques, we can further improve their ability to ensure these children catch up to others who have not been disadvantaged by their parent’s failure.
“The Bligh Government is improving services and this new educational program shows we are building a first-class child protection system.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Federal Government funding would support a pilot program to teach foster carers in low socio-economic areas intervention and support strategies to help at-risk students.
“We welcome the Federal Government’s support for this literacy and numeracy program which will complement existing intervention programs in our schools,” Mr Welford said.
“At-risk students often lag behind their peers in literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for all students to succeed in their schooling and in life.
“The program aims to accelerate their achievement rate and to promote positive and sustained results.
“It’s imperative that every Queensland child, no matter what their circumstances, has the best possible opportunity to enjoy the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy to help fulfil their potential.”
Mr Welford said the program would include a skills development course, aimed at foster carers and volunteer carers with children from 4 to 12 years.
“The pilot program will have a family and child centred approach, by training carers in numeracy and literacy interventions,” he said.
“This is about enhancing leadership by improving foster carer and school partnerships. The training will commence in the first half of 2009 and will be provided by selected Education Queensland teachers.
“At first, the training will be delivered across the Ipswich and Western, and Logan and Brisbane West Child Safety zones. Then it will be extended to the remaining zones across Queensland.”
Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said the new program demonstrates the innovation and commitment of the Bligh Government towards child safety.
“Child Protection week starts today and this a terrific way to kick off this very important week – a new initiative for at risk children and our wonderful band of foster carers,” Mrs Keech said.
“When children come into care some are already behind in school due to the abuse or neglect they have suffered.
“It is crucial we enhance the educational opportunities for these kids and Education Queensland has partnered with Child Safety to create this innovative new program.
“Foster carers are community heroes and they help to transform the lives of our children in care.
“By training foster carers in numeracy and literacy educational techniques, we can further improve their ability to ensure these children catch up to others who have not been disadvantaged by their parent’s failure.
“The Bligh Government is improving services and this new educational program shows we are building a first-class child protection system.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000