Answers to Questions

Numeracy Check

430 The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) ().18 March 2025).

1. What is the timeline for year 1 numeracy check?

2. Which schools are currently participating in the trial?

3. What term will the numeracy check occur in?

4. How will year 1 numeracy check fit in with the current literacy check?

5. Can schools opt in for the trial?

6. What are the contact details for where schools can opt in for the numeracy check trial?

7. Will all schools be completing numeracy check in term 1 2026?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

I am very proud that the Malinauskas Labor government is introducing a mandatory numeracy check—leading the nation just as Susan Close did with the phonics check in 2017.

Our government is very much focused on ensuring that students develop the literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills they need to succeed in work and life.

The timeline for the Year 1 numeracy check is as follows:

In term 1 2025, a targeted trial was undertaken with 22 year 1 teachers across six schools.

Between terms 2 to 4, 2025, all year 1 teachers will be provided with one day of face-to-face professional learning.

From 2026, the numeracy check will occur during term 1 each year for all year 1 students.

95 schools that participated in the 2024 trial. The following six schools participated in the current trial to adapt it to year 1:

Elizabeth East Primary School

Highgate Primary School

Ingle Farm Primary School

Morphett Vale Primary School

Parafield Gardens Primary School

Paringa Park Primary School

The sample of schools invited to trial the year 1 numeracy check based on a range of factors including Aboriginal and EALD enrolments, index of educational disadvantage and teacher interest.

I am aware of a number of schools who have continued this year with the numeracy check they participated in during 2024.

The numeracy check will occur in term 1 each year while the phonics screening check is conducted in term 3, weeks three to six each year.