Preschool Staffing

In reply to the Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (26 June 2024). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. B.I. BOYER (Wright—Minister for Education, Training and Skills): I have been advised of the following:

The Department for Education has achieved a retention rate of over 85 per cent for its preschool workforce. This figure is based on a specific snapshot date, checking if employees were with the department 12 months earlier, regardless of their site or classification.

In the past 12 months the attrition rate for preschool employees is less than 5 per cent, with 44 of the separations being due to retirement.

A snapshot of data shows approximately 85 preschool related positions were advertised externally and filled in the past 12 months. Other appointments also occur through internal processes, including graduate arrangements and contract renewals.

Measuring staff movements between schools and preschools is challenging due to numerous variables. Accordingly, this data is not currently available.