Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

In the budget this year, the government released our commitment to further grow Australian school funding to record levels. But, at the same time, we outlined how we want to see and demonstrate that that investment is directed into areas in which it will make a real difference.

Our Quality schools, quality outcomes statement identified a range of reforms, particularly the establishment of a national skills check for all children in year 1 across literacy and numeracy standards, including a phonics check. Such a check has been used in UK schools since 2012, and evaluations demonstrate that the proportion of students now reaching the required standard in literacy has increased from 58 per cent in 2012 to 81 per cent most recently.

That is a real demonstration that such measures can make a positive impact, with similar improvements shown for most disadvantaged students. This demonstrates that it is actually making a difference where it is most important. It is a simple check. It takes only a few minutes, but it can make a real difference.