The Education Bill represents the most significant transformation of and investment in the structural reform of education in more than half a century.
One of the most important changes in the Bill is the introduction of a new, voluntary starting age of four and a half years, while the compulsory age remains unchanged at five years of age.
This will give every young Tasmanian access to quality, play -based, enquiry-led early learning sooner. It will also result in more than a $100 million investment in more teachers, teacher assistants, specialist staff and infrastructure upgrades.
A series of short features has been created to tell Tasmanians about the opportunities this change will create. It features parents, experienced educators and academics, including:
Alison, parent: “If I was given the opportunity, I would absolutely send my kids to school six months earlier. Their ability to build solid relationships, to build confidence, self-reliance and resilience, far outweigh anything that would be detrimental to their future education, it is paramount.”
Mark Morrissey, Commissioner for Children: “For me the great opportunity here is to address equity. Many children don’t have access to the same high quality early learning and day care and schooling that is effectively their right. I believe this legislation, and these changes to how we introduce our children to early learning, will benefit probably the most those who need the most support.”
Rachel, a parent: “He’s had a few learning difficulties since starting kindergarten, I was never aware of them until he started, they were able to pick up on them and now a process has been put in place, what we can do to help him. If he’d gone six months earlier we’d have a better outcome.”
Elizabeth Daly, former Superintendent of Early Childhood Education: “I really believe we have to do something about that inequity. To be able to participate in experiential and play based learning is exactly what they need to have.”
Prof Eleanor Ramsay, Education Ambassadors: “No matter the family budget, no matter the location in our very diverse state they live in, all of our families will have access to that wonderful way to beginning on that life-long journey in education.”
Kim McVeity, experienced teacher: “Children learn best through play based learning. Play based learning is child-led, then supported by the adult.”
The Education Bill was tabled in Parliament this week, and will be debated in coming weeks.
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Video 1 – https://youtu.be/4uIbxMWLC48
Video 2 – https://youtu.be/0h8LieMigHc
Video 3 – https://youtu.be/3jmA2yLhuGA
Video 4 – https://youtu.be/h8dua8i4k2k
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training
