Year one students at three public schools in the Lismore electorate have been taking part in a new Number Screening Check this month, as part of a statewide trial.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said the trial is to check students’ grasp of numbers and provide teachers with the opportunity for early intervention.

“The screening check is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to lift numeracy levels and is a key part of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement signed with the Commonwealth in March, which delivered full funding for NSW public schools.

“NSW is leading the country in developing its own number screening check and will share the resources with other states once the trial is completed.

“So Year One students at Goonellabah Public School, Kyogle Public School and Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School in Tenterfield are taking part in an important program that will go on to benefit many children.

“This new check gives teachers a clearer picture of where each student is up to with their numeracy skills, like counting, number order and simple addition. It means they can step in early and give targeted help to kids who might otherwise fall behind.

“An earlier pilot was tested across 19 NSW schools, and the schools that participated are already using insights from the screening to plan for targeted teaching.

“We know that early strong numeracy skills can better equip children for success through their school years and beyond. “