The Tasmanian Government is committed to improving educational outcomes; it’s critically important for the future prosperity of our young people and the prosperity of our state.
Currently, young Tasmanians can walk out of school with as much as two years less education than students across the country. And, almost half of our children could be missing out on high quality learning at a young age because not every family can afford child care or private education.
Our proposed changes to school starting age brings us in line with other states and territories. A graph illustrating how the current minimum starting age for full time schooling in Tasmania compares with other jurisdictions is available HERE.
The research is unequivocal; engagement in high quality early learning sets children up for a brighter future.
A summary of the University of Chicago’s James Heckman’s research found: “Investment in early education for disadvantaged children from birth to five years helps reduce the achievement gap, reduce the need for special education, increase the likelihood of healthier lifestyles, lower the crime rate and reduce overall social costs.”
Researchers Margaret McCain and Fraser Mustard in The Early Years study found: “If we truly wish to provide our children with an equal opportunity to maximise their potential, whatever that might be, it is vital that we do everything we can to enhance their early development.”
The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education Project in the UK found: “Pre-school experience, compared to none, enhances all-round development in children. High quality pre-schooling is related to better intellectual and social/behavioural development for children.”
Our proposed changes have widespread support from the Tasmanian Principals Association, the Smith Family, the Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations, the Children’s Commissioner and the TCCI.
Our proposal is not about forcing parents to send their children to school before they are ready. It proposes to lower the starting age by six months to four years and six months, in line with most Australian jurisdictions, and is about giving every child equal access to quality early learning.
It is also important to note, that the same curriculum operates in the early years of school (kinder) as does in private child care centres; it is play-based, enquiry-led and age appropriate learning and that will not change.
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