Early learning
Staff shortages threaten Andrews’ $9bn preschool overhaul
Workforce issues could hamper the state government from getting its early learning reforms off the ground.
- by Cara Waters, Adam Carey, Matilda Finn and Marta Pascual Juanola
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
I’m ecstatic about early education plans, but can the politicians deliver?
The early education sector in NSW and Victoria looks set for a magnificent boost. But to make these exciting plans a reality, the politicians need to confront some uncomfortable truths.
- by Lisa Bryant
Kindergarten to get a $9b overhaul, with more places and longer hours
The Andrews government has promised a multibillion-dollar reshaping of preschool and childcare in Victoria.
- by Annika Smethurst
Sickness ravages childcare sector as it struggles to find staff
Centres say an increase in cases of COVID-19, flu and colds has left them struggling to meet educator-to-children ratios.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Analysis
Education
Phonics switch not in the bag for Victoria yet despite national curriculum push
The new national curriculum should be a cue to Victoria to shift its approach to literacy, but it is unclear whether the state is prepared to change.
- by Adam Carey
Exclusive
Australia votes
Labor promises $15 million on language schools for kids
More than 700 community language schools across Australia will be able to access grants of up to $30,000 each under Labor’s proposal.
- by Lisa Visentin
Ratings system monitoring childcare quality ‘falling short’
Hundreds of childcare education centres have ratings assessments that are five years old, and some have not been assessed for seven years.
- by Nicole Precel
COVID-19 disruptions hampered development of Australian children
A new report shows COVID-19 lockdowns and disruptions have hindered the development of preschool-aged children across the country.
- by Nicole Precel
COVID-19 disruptions hold back preschool-aged students’ development
The percentage of children whose learning was on track across five key areas has declined for the first time in 13 years.
- by Daniella White
Exclusive
Coronavirus pandemic
With back-to-school in three weeks, WA Education forced to chase teachers for vaccine status
The department is scurrying to ensure thousands of staff provide proof of vaccination before the January deadline in its last-ditch effort to bolster faculties.
- by Lauren Pilat and Peter de Kruijff
‘It will be bumpy’: How to keep schools open in the age of Omicron
Paediatricians say it’s vital for children to head back to classrooms, but it may be a challenging start to the school year with Omicron tearing through the community.
- by Jordan Baker