LNP Queensland

The Bligh Labor Government should stop stalling and start providing full-time teacher aides in Queensland state school Prep classrooms now, the LNP said today.

LNP Shadow Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland students, parents, teachers and principals all wanted full-time teacher aides in Prep classrooms and a State Government "review" was just a delaying tactic.

"All the evidence shows that both a full-time teacher and a teacher aide are needed to get the best results from the play based curriculum provided to Prep Year students, as well as to ensure young children’s safety," he said.

"A child’s safety and learning development should not be compromised for the sake of saving a a few dollars from the Education budget."

Mr Langbroek said the Prep Year was a young child’s first introduction to the education system and it was vital they were taught in a well-resourced learning environment.

"LNP questioning in Budget Estimates Hearings recently revealed more than 3200 Prep students across Queensland where being taught in classes the State Government believed were too big," he said.

"In 2008, 123 Prep classes have more than 25 students, with some classes having as many as 29 students.

"These figures add further weight to calls for full-time teacher aides to support the teachers who have to supervise and teach so many young children on their own."

Mr Langbroek said a ballot of almost 9000 teachers last year found 99% believed full-time teacher aides were needed to successfully deliver the Prep program.

"On top of this teacher survey, today we have the president of the Queensland Association of State School Principals saying principals believed many of the younger students required additional support," he said.

"When the people who actually teach our kids overwhelmingly tell us they need full-time teacher aides in Prep classrooms, that advice should be followed."