The government want to discuss lowering the compulsory starting age for school to around four years and six months, and increase the school leaving age, as part of a review of the Education Act.

Early Childhood Australia national president Ros Cornish questioned whether it would be in the best interests of children.

‘‘Teachers will need to have a clear understanding and knowledge of this cohort, of early years and child development, and the understanding of importance and play,’’ she said.

‘‘An expectation of learning (for example reading and writing) is inappropriate for some of these children." 

University of Tasmania education dean John Williamson echoed the same sentiments, and noted that children develop socially, emotionally and psychologically, at different rates.

‘‘If we want to start earlier lets not put them into formal schooling, lets have quality, play-based learning rather than having a curriculum ...many countries overseas start school at age six and have preliminary early years work.’’

Professor Williamson said raising the school leaving age was a welcome idea.

‘‘If we keep them to 18 we have to be creative in the curriculum that we provide, and for many that doesn’t mean formal academic learning, it is about vocational education and training, on the job work,’’ he said.

Australian Education Union president Terry Polglase said he was concerned about staffing and funding issues.

‘‘The government is cutting back $140 million ... you can’t put more students into schools when you are cutting that sort of money,’’ he said.

‘‘School enrolments are incredibly complex.’’