School homework centres help students get ahead

First steps are underway to set up the Palaszczuk Government’s 120 new free after-school homework centres - an $8 million commitment at the 2020 election.

Education Minister Grace Grace told Parliament today that the state’s 1254 schools could now apply to have one of the new centres, with the first to be operating for Term 3, beginning in July.

“Homework is an important part of every child’s education but it can be a challenge for busy families at the end of the day,” Ms Grace said.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises this and our new free homework centres will provide a supportive, supervised environment for students to complete their homework before they go home for the day.

“Children can build good study habits and families can spend quality time together without any pressure to supervise homework.”

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $8 million over four years to fund centres in state schools, with onsite teacher-aides to supervise up to 24 students per session. The centres will operate for up to three hours per week, 30 weeks a year during term time.

“These centres will provide the help students need that their hard-working parents and carers may not have the time or expertise to provide at the end of the day,” Ms Grace said.

“They will also assist parents who may need more flexible working arrangements as our economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These new centres will make a simple but real difference in children’s education and the everyday lives of Queensland families. “

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government had a proud record of investing in educating Queensland students.

“We are providing the new infrastructure, new teachers and new programs to ensure every child gets a world-class education, no matter where they live,” she said.

Schools can apply from today with regional panels to assess applications against criteria including services already available, capacity at the school and local needs.

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