WAG Update: Learning Support
The APPA Learning Support Working Group was thrilled with the outcomes detailed in Budget 2025. Whilst many of the new initiatives and increases signalled are yet to see light within our schools, the intent and commitment to some of our most vulnerable children is welcomed. We now await the details that will underpin the impact of Budget 2025 in our schools.
We are keen to keep the pressure on the government and are now focused on gathering data in the following areas;
- Readiness for School
- With numerous schools reporting that many new enrolments are not ready for school, citing toileting and personal care issues, we are keen to gather data to understand the extent of this issue better.
- Transition to School
- Whilst the Minister has signalled the Early Intervention Service will now extend until a child turns 6 years of age, is this enough? What are schools experiences with the EIS?
- LSC Rollout
- We are delighted to hear that by 2028, every school in the country will have a funded LSC, but what does this look like, and when will the details of the rollout be released?
- Increase in ORS allocation.
- Once again, we welcome an increase in this valuable resource; however, what pressure will this put on mainstream schools, knowing that our Specialist Schools are full and have long waitlists?
- Increase in Teacher Aide Hours
- Providing more teacher aide hours will have a positive impact on many schools. However, unless the MoE’s contribution is increased or moved to an FTE allocation, we worry that this may place schools under a financial burden, as most schools have to top up funding by almost $16 per hour.
We would appreciate your support by completing the following brief survey. The data gathered through this survey will assist us, as we continue to advocate on your behalf.
Please click on this link to access the APPA Learning Support Survey.