The lowering of the school age may no longer be compulsory, but the debate still inspired impassioned responses from stakeholders at the Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (TASSO) annual conference.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 40 representatives from various organisations and groups came together to take part in the discussion with a select panel of representatives.
Executive director of Devonport Childcare Centres Mick Clark discussed the potential impact the non-compulsory lowering of the school starting age could have on child care services.
Mr Clark explained that child care services are graded into three age groups which requires a varying numbers of staff, but garner the same flat fee.
The removal of the older cohort takes away a part of the profitability of the business and may have negative effects on child care centres, he said.
“It will force them to raise their fees because their costs are higher. Small services may disappear as numbers drop below the point of profitability,” he said.
Department of Education Secretary Jenny Gale said early childhood learning would receive significant attention from an additional $100 million investment by the government.
Jannette Armstrong from Tasmanians Say No to a Lower School Starting Age challenged the government’s ability to keep services alive under the proposed changes.
Ms Armstrong said that “at risk” and “disadvantaged” students would be sent to school earlier as a way of accessing day care.
Mrs Gale responded that the government would be supporting the early education of children from “birth to age three” with the Launch into Learning program with specific opportunities for children with high needs.
During question time a member of the public voiced concern that parents from lower socio-economic areas would send children to school as early as possible.
“Some parents will to send their children to to school if they are ready or not. You will have nappies, naps and so many needs,” she said.