Liberal Nationals to boost language and literacy for vulnerable kids

AN elected Liberal Nationals Government will target early language and literacy programs to communities where young children are at risk of falling behind their peers, says Shadow Minister for Young Victorians Steph Ryan.

The $16 million grants program will fund community-driven early learning programs designed to prepare kids for school.

We want to give young children a great start in their early years so they don’t spend their primary and secondary school years trying to catch up.

Research shows that young children who are given opportunities and support to explore, play, problem solve, read and socialise in a group environment are better prepared for life and learning.

Our $16 million grants program will support better early language and literacy skills where it’s most needed in Victoria.

Community-based programs in the areas where children are considered most developmentally vulnerable, as identified in the most recent Australian Early Development Census, will be eligible for funding.

Successful programs must show an increase in positive literacy outcomes, improvements in school engagement and greater resilience in children.

By improving early learning, we can set our kids up for life and make them ready for school.

The $16 million grants program complements the Liberal Nationals’ $80 million Brighter Futures Fund, which is aimed at lifting education opportunities through better support for parents and children in the early years of schooling.

The Brighter Futures Fund will be invested in integrated education hubs – a one-stop-shop for allied health, early childhood, maternal and child health services, and tertiary education.

Comment attributable to Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians Steph Ryan

A good education can change the life of a child, which is why improving education outcomes in the early years is so important.

A child’s future shouldn’t be determined by where they live. These grants will make sure extra education support is focussed where our kids need it most.

Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Families and Children Georgie Crozier

The lack of action from Daniel Andrews and his Labor Government has created a learning gap, leaving some children falling behind.

We understand local communities know their needs best and we’ll give them the right support to lead positive change in education.

Comment attributable to The Nationals Candidate for Morwell Sheridan Bond

School should be a positive experience – not a struggle.

These grants will help to give our kids in the Latrobe Valley the best start in life and give our communities a leading role in shaping the future of the next generation.

Comment attributable to Liberal Candidate for Morwell Dale Harriman

These grants will help boost our kid’s literacy skills and get them up to speed sooner.

Early intervention in children’s learning will help them to stay engaged at school and give them the best start to life. 

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