The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to ensuring all Tasmanian children and young people gain an education that gives them the best start in life.
For many children who live in isolated parts of our State or who due to medical, psychological or other reasons are unable to participate fully in mainstream schooling, the Tasmanian eSchool is a strong alternative.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Education has finalised an interim staffing formula for the Tasmanian eSchool for 2016, based on predicted enrolments for each campus.
The following eSchool staffing funding arrangements will be in place for 2016:
This includes a base level of 14.1 FTE staff through the Fairer Funding model and an allocation based on predicted registrations throughout the year, remembering that many students come to the eSchool after the commencement of the school year.
Should registrations exceed predictions a further adjustment may be made.
The decision has been made to retain the Assistant Principal position at the Northern Campus following discussions with parents.
Some parents have raised concerns with the Government about future staffing levels under the Fairer Funding model.
We listened to those concerns and we are pleased that we have been able to maintain staffing at current levels.
Throughout 2016, more work will be undertaken, in consultation with the school community, on best practice models for providing education through the eSchool.
This will include the eSchool working closely with other schools to keep students connected, wherever possible, to mainstream schooling.
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