Queensland families and educators now have extra support when it comes to preparing their children for starting school.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett today said the website was part of the Step Up into Education initiative designed to strengthen children’s school readiness and encourage parents to become involved in their children’s learning.
Mr Bennett said the new web site www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/stepup/ was a valuable tool that would help families, schools and communities with that transition.
“Transition to school is widely recognised as an important period for children and their families,” Mr Bennett said.
“The website has some really useful fact sheets, videos and e-books for families as well as case studies for educators.
“The first years of school can be challenging not just for the students, but also their families. Resources like the Step Up website will help give students and their parents, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to support networks that others take for granted.
“Research shows that a successful start to school, together with ongoing parental involvement, is linked to positive outcomes, both academically and socially.”
Mr Bennett said the Newman Government had committed $4 million over four years from 2013 to improve children’s transition to school.