Page 4088 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 13 December 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
At the close of business on 6 December, more than 350 written submissions had been received. I, along with departmental officials, have held over 700 meetings with affected school communities and interested groups. I have undertaken over 100 school visits. I know that many members of the Assembly have also been part of a large number of discussions with communities. I have been impressed with the quality of submissions received and with the engagement of school communities and their constructive approach. I believe that the package the government has released today shows that this was a genuine consultation process. We have listened to the views and concerns of the community and we have responded with a package of reforms that meets the needs of the community now and into the future.
Today the government announced a new focus on early childhood education. There is increasing acceptance around the world that development and education in the early years is essential to learning and development in later life. More and more research is highlighting the importance of early childhood education. Research on the value of early childhood education programs, particularly for children who are disadvantaged, is undisputed and well substantiated. Short-term benefits include improved cognitive functioning, school readiness and social skills. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated positive effects on school completion, further education participation, employment outcomes, earnings and general social wellbeing.
The Stanhope government is determined to provide Canberra’s children with the best start in life. From 2008, all preschools will be amalgamated with a primary school in order to streamline pathways for children. Some primary schools will have more than one preschool annexed to them. Our new curriculum renewal framework has a strong focus on teaching and learning in the early years. The amalgamations will improve the continuity of learning and ensure that children can access an integrated education curriculum.
Today we have announced that we are expanding the availability of early childhood schools catering for students from preschool to year 2. In southern Canberra, schools will be located at Narrabundah, Lyons and Isabella Plains. North Canberra will be served by Southern Cross in Belconnen and O’Connor Co-Operative in the inner north. These new schools will commence in 2009 and will focus on early childhood education and early intervention, providing a solid foundation for learning in the future.
A paper commissioned by the former coalition Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, found that the provision of early childhood services in Australia is not well coordinated. It stated:
There is no integrated system of services for children and families.
Over the next two years, I will be working with my colleague Katy Gallagher to deliver integration of services at these school sites. Over the coming year the Department of Education and Training will be working with the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services on the possible range of services. We envisage that these early childhood centres will provide other early childhood services
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .