The state government is being called upon to introduce an extra year of schooling, in line with southern states. 

NSW and Victoria will introduce a new year of play-based learning for children before they start school.

Premiers Dominic Perrottet and Daniel Andrews announced the joint long-term policy commitment on Thursday.

“This is ground-breaking policy because: one, it gets into the education system sooner; two, frees up parents from childcare; … [and] three, frees up mums to go back to work,” Neil Breen said.

USQ senior lecturer Alice Brown agreed Queensland should consider getting onboard.

“It’s an investment in our children in the most critical time,” she said. “It’s learning through play and that’s what we really need to protect.

“Very smart, very clued-on early childhood educators are skilled at linking play to learning.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image: Getty