This program supports activities to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational outcomes. It opens the door to more success pathways through improving:
- family and parenting support
- early childhood development, care and education
- school education
- youth engagement and transition
- tertiary education.
The program focuses on increased school attendance and educational outcomes that lead to employment.
The Children and Schooling Program complements other state, territory and Australian Government programs. It provides targeted support, opportunities to leverage further grant funding and enables innovation.
What this program will fund
This program supports activities achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education outcomes, such as (but not limited to) increasing:
- participation and positive learning outcomes in early childhood development, care and education
- school readiness
- school attendance
- educational outcomes including literacy and numeracy
- Year 12 attainment
- pathways to further training and education
- course completions in tertiary studies
- engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities with schools and other education providers.
The Australian Government grant funding will be used to:
- Build the capacity of parents, care-givers and communities through focusing on ‘outside the school gate’ activities.
- Engage parents and community to drive demand for quality education and training (including early childhood education and care).
- Support youth engagement and school retention and/or transition activities.
- Prioritise support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and young people who have disengaged from mainstream education.
- Target grant funding to those most disadvantaged, including those in rural and remote localities.
- Increase grant funding for the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Provide national leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
While innovative measures are welcome, this program will not pay for activities:
- Funded through recurrent school grant funding.
- Supported by grants to early learning or higher education providers, such as teachers and curriculum resources.
- Funded through ABSTUDY or Family Tax Benefit. This includes travel and living allowances at boarding schools or universities.
- Already delivered in the community by the state/territory or local government.
The Children and Schooling Program does not cover the following activities managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency:
- Indigenous Student Success Program (supporting university students) – under part 2-2A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the Indigenous Student Assistance Grants Guidelines 2017.
- Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS) Superannuation (a reserve fulfilling superannuation obligations for some former ATAS employees).
The Australian Government works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities to build their future their own way. This program helps children get a good education that will lead to employment and a better future.
Information on funding requirements under the Children and Schooling Program is in the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Guidelines.