The Department of Education has taken the first steps in the establishment of 120 free after-school homework centres.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the State’s 1,254 schools could now apply to have one of the centres, with the first to be operating for Term Three in July.
“Homework is an important part of every child’s education, but it can be a challenge for busy families at the end of the day,” Ms Grace said.
“Our new free homework centres will provide a supportive, supervised environment for students to complete their homework before they go home for the day.”
She said children built good study habits and families could spend quality time together without any pressure to supervise homework.
A total of $8 million has been allocated over four years to fund centres in State schools, with onsite teacher-aides to supervise up to 24 students per session.
The centres will operate for up to three hours per week, 30 weeks a year, during term time.
“These centres will provide the help students need that their hard-working parents and carers may not have the time or expertise to provide at the end of the day,” Ms Grace said.
“They will also assist parents who may need more flexible working arrangements as our economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
