Preppies in two state schools in Mudgeeraba are set to benefit from an additional 63.7 Prep teacher aide hours each week in 2015.

Ros Bates MP welcomed the announcement of the LNP Government’s 54 million four-year Boosting Prep for our children’s future commitment.

“The LNP Government has a strong plan for a brighter future for our youngest Queenslanders and by funding more teacher aide hours we are ensuring children have extra support to develop learning and social skills at an early age,” Ros Bates said.

“The early years of school set the foundation for life-long learning and success, which is why the Government believes it’s vital to invest significantly in this area.

“Teacher aides play a critical role in Prep classrooms and I welcome this move on behalf of our youngest learners.”

Ms Bates said Mudgeeraba schools were among the 127 state schools across Queensland to benefit, sharing in 2,250 additional Prep teacher aide hours per week next year.

“Children in two Prep classes will have greater access to teacher aides, which will help ensure improved outcomes and smooth transitions from study to training and work, all the way from crayon to career.”

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the $54 million four-year plan had already provided significant benefits to Queensland children.

“In 2013, the first year of the initiative, 152 Prep classes in more than 100 schools benefitted from additional teacher aide hours,” Mr Langbroek said.

“This year another 2,250 hours per week were allocated to 384 Prep classes in 69 schools.

“Prep students across Queensland are already benefitting from the additional support available each day, and we’re ensuring this benefit continues throughout 2015 as well.”

Ms Bates said schools with the greatest need in the Mudgeeraba electorate had been selected for funding.

“As the daughter of a teacher and one of three generations of teachers in my family I am well aware of the significant investment of time and energy they put into helping their students, and I understand the importance of ensuring proper funding to ensure teaches aides can continue to help Queensland children learn and grow,” Ms Bates said.

To find out more about the Boosting Prep for our children’s future commitment, go to www.education.qld.gov.au/boosting-prep.html