The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to improving education at every age, which begins with the very important early years.
To assist in driving this improvement, the Government is supporting the establishment of an Early Years Coalition, B4.
The Minister for Education and Training Jeremy Rockliff said B4 would help deliver improved early years outcomes for Tasmanian children.
“The research is unequivocal; engagement in high quality early learning sets children up for every chance of success as an adult,” Minister Rockliff said.
“It’s proven to improve social and behavioural development, reduce the need for special education, increases healthy lifestyles, lower crime rates and reduce overall social costs.
“The B4 coalition will provide leadership in early learning, identify priorities and actions to improve education and encourage organisations to support the early years too.”
Mr Rockliff said he was pleased to announce the Chair of the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation, Elizabeth Daly, and the Tasmanian Commissioner for Children, Mark Morrissey have recently accepted an invitation to co-chair the B4 coalition.
“Both Ms Daly and Mr Morrissey are passionate about the importance of the early years in helping to determine the future life chances of our young people,” Mr Rockliff said.
Ms Daly said the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation welcomed the Government’s decision to enhance their support of early years by establishing B4.
“We believe the initiative holds the promise of bringing together for a common purpose, all those involved in the lives of Tasmanian’s youngest children,” Ms Daly said.
“That purpose is the provision of the best possible opportunities for building a strong platform for the growth, development and learning of our children, no matter where they live or their particular circumstances.
“For many families there are barriers, for example – the cycle of disadvantage, health, particularly mental health of a parent, distance from an early learning service, finance, to name a few. Addressing such inequity is critical.
“The B4 coalition, with the guidance of a co-developed strategy plan for early years outcomes, offers opportunities for all of us to make our individual and group contribution to supporting common goals.”
Mr Rockliff said B4 was an important initiative for Tasmania with significant changes proposed to the Education Act, including lowering the compulsory starting age for Prep by six months to the age of four years and six months, in-turn the starting age for Kindergarten will become three years and six months, though will remain optional.
“This is a very significant time for positive change in education at every level across Tasmania,” Mr Rockliff said.
“I look forward to working in collaboration with the B4 coalition towards our common goal to improve the learning outcomes of young Tasmanians, and in-turn, future generations.”
B4 will build its membership to consist of key individuals within the Tasmanian community who are committed to working together to improve early childhood outcomes in Tasmania.
The Coalition will work collaboratively with the Department of Education with support from the Departments of Premier and Cabinet and Health and Human Services.
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