• Miles Government is expanding FlexiSpaces in schools to provide better supports to students to stay engaged with learning.
• First round of 34 of those schools to provide FlexiSpaces announced today including Kruger State School, Redbank Plains State High School and Brassall State School
• Providing more support for teachers and students when they need it
• Primary Schools now included to assist with early intervention

Students remaining engaged in education is one of the most important factors in improved outcomes for young Queenslanders and the Miles Government is investing $45 million for additional FlexiSpaces at Queensland schools.

Today, Minister Farmer announced the 34 schools that have accepted the first round of new FlexiSpaces to be delivered as part of the package.

FlexiSpaces are a place in a school where students who are facing challenges in a normal schooling environment can continue to be supported to stay engaged at school while still being able to stay at school with their friends and to eventually get them back into their mainstream class.

We know that mainstream classrooms aren’t always the best places for all students.

This program is about giving kids and teachers the help and resources they need, in a way that is most suited to way they can learn.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bundamba, Minister Lance McCallum:

“Delivering even more options to keep our region’s kids engaged in our local schools will see improvements in educational outcomes and benefit the wider community.

“We all know that disengagement from the education system is a contributor to the causes of youth crime, so this investment supports our most vulnerable and at-risk young people to have access to the education they need to succeed in life.

“This is yet another practical initative delivered by the Miles Government to improve the safety of our community and for the first time, primary state schools are included in the program, to assist with early intervention where it is most needed.

“Kruger State School and Redbank Plains State High School leaders, teachers and staff already do an amazing job, and this will be another resource and option for them to keep delivering for our local students.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Minister Di Farmer:

“FlexiSpaces are such a great tool to help schools respond to students who are experiencing challenges.

“Early intervention is so important, which is why we are trialling FlexiSpaces in primary schools for the first time.

“It’s important to remember, not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

FlexiSpaces are not only about supporting students.

They are a recognition that those students can often be quite challenging for teachers.  Taking them out of the mainstream classroom allows teachers to cater to all students more effectively. 

Disengagement from school at age seven is the greatest predictor of youth offending later in life. As we know not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.

These spaces are inclusive, high-quality built environments, with high-impact teaching and learning.

They are staffed with teachers who maintain academic standards, access to the Australian Curriculum, and high expectations while providing flexible and individualised support.