Media release: ISA welcomes additional support for parents in early years of learning

12 May 2021

Independent Schools Australia (ISA) welcomes the 2021-22 Budget funding of $1.6 billion for preschools over the next four years as part of a new four-year funding agreement with the states and territories.

“The new agreement with the states and territories will provide additional stability and flexibility for parents and the sector more broadly,” said ISA’s Chief Executive Officer Margery Evans.

“Universal access to at least 15 hours of preschool each week for children in the year before they start school will allow parents to manage the transition to school life and provide a strong foundation for schooling.”

The Independent Schools sector also welcomes the additional funding of $77.5 million over four years for the Schools and Youth – supporting students, teachers and young Australian’s initiative.

“The ongoing funding for initiatives such as the Together for Humanity Program is helping students, teachers and parents foster greater inter-cultural understanding and a sense of belonging.” Mrs Evans said.

“A number of boarding schools across Australia were significantly impacted by COVID. The additional funding under the Schools and Youth program will also assist boarding school providers enrolling Indigenous students to remain financially sustainable during the COVID-19 recovery period”, said Mrs Evans.

The Independent school sector provides parents and students across Australia with choice and diversity in schooling. In 2020, there were over with over 647,371 students or 16 per cent of the Australian student population enrolled in an Independent School in Australia.

 

ISA is the peak body representing 1,187 Independent schools with 667,259 enrolled students.

ISA Media Contact: comms@isa.edu.au