Delivering on our early learning promises

Tasmania has become a stronger, prouder and more confident place over the past four years and this is most evident in our education system, where we have seen welcome improvement in our results, including NAPLAN, retention to year 12, and attainment of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

The 2018-19 State Budget builds on the success of the past four years and delivers on the commitments we have made as part of our Plan to Build Your Future, and take education in Tasmania to the next level.

This Budget includes a record level of spending of $6.75 billion across the Forward Estimates to support Education and Training.

Research consistently shows that by investing in the early years of education (pre-school to grade 2) we can set our children up for the brightest future possible.

This is why this year’s State Budget includes an additional:

$31.3 million to provide free pre-school to disadvantaged or vulnerable three year olds from 2020;
$10.5 million to build the first three of six Early Learning Hubs; and
$15 million to build new, and upgrade existing, kindergarten facilities.

Our investment in early learning demonstrates our commitment to providing Tasmanian children with the best possible start to their learning journey.

Over the next 6 years, our Early Learning Hubs will be built to service the communities of:

Sorell;
Kingborough;
Glenorchy;
East Tamar,
West Ulverstone; and
Waratah Wynyard.

They will provide access to services for families in the early years of a child’s life including health and education support both within the Hub and through outreach. Hubs will also include early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities through partnerships with the ECEC community and educational facilities from kindergarten to grade 2, all co-located on a school site.

This budget also delivers on our commitment to provide more access to early education for more Tasmanian children through $31.3 million towards implementing the Working Together for 3 Year Olds initiative, providing fully subsidised pre-school for eligible 3 year old Tasmanian children from 2020. $2.3 million of this funding will be invested in 2018-19 to co-design the initiative in partnership with the ECEC sector.

A further $15 million has been allocated to construct new kindergarten buildings in 10 schools and refurbish kindergarten buildings in 18 schools across the State. Plus, an additional 79 schools will receive funding for minor upgrades to existing kindergarten facilities.

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to deliver on commitments, and Build Your Future by investing in the early years and implementing strategies that will ensure our children have the best possible start in life.

*Breakdown of $15 million Kindergarten investment

Rebuild: Cooee PS, Moonah PS, Rosetta PS, Franklin PS, Glen Huon PS, Bagdad PS, Forth PS, Glenora District, Bowen Road PS, Lilydale District

Refurbishment: St Helens District, Mole Creek PS, Brighton PS, New Town PS, Glenorchy PS, Triabunna District, Orford PS, Oatlands District, Cressy District, Glen Dhu PS, East Tamar PS, Mowbray Heights PS, Ravenswood PS, Ringarooma PS, Yolla District, Sassafras PS, Cygnet PS, Latrobe PS