The Victorian Government believes that every Victorian child deserves the best possible start in life.
That’s why one of my first decisions as Premier of Victoria was to establish the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The focus of the new department is firmly set on the wellbeing of Victorian children and their families—and its aim is to ensure that Victorian children have every opportunity to learn, to grow, and to experience a happy and healthy childhood.
The establishment of the department also marked the beginning of a new approach to learning and development—one which supports children and their families from birth through to adulthood.
We know that children’s learning and development starts from day one and that their early experiences have a direct impact on their future wellbeing. There is now overwhelming evidence that giving children the best possible start in life improves their educational, social and economic prospects.
Bringing together early childhood services and education has opened up opportunities that will benefit children at their most important developmental stages, and ensure smoother transitions into school.
This Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development outlines these opportunities and articulates a new vision for Victorian education and early childhood development over the next five years.
The Blueprint renews our commitment to high quality education and early childhood services, and sets out concrete reforms to achieve this end. And it signals a new emphasis on fostering partnerships—with parents and families, and with local communities and businesses.
The Blueprint also recognises the fundamental importance of a quality education and early childhood workforce. It makes clear that we will support contemporary workplaces and careers, and a culture of leadership, learning and renewal across the entire learning and development system.
Our Government’s investment in schools and early childhood services is making a real difference to children’s learning and development across Victoria.
I want to encourage Victorian families to visit their schools and early childhood services and find out more about the great things that are happening for our children.
Hon John Brumby MP
Premier of Victoria
See also the Premier's media release Blueprint makes Victoria education revolution ready