Parents, carers, staff and local communities are invited to contribute to a new Plan for NSW Public Education, which has a focus on the power of public education to transform lives.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar announced the start of the six-week consultation period, calling the draft plan “a shared ambition for our students and schools”.

“This is a unique moment, to work together on the future of public education – a future we can all see ourselves in,” Mr Dizdar said.

Front and centre in the plan is a focus on equity and excellence, and rebuilding trust and pride in the teaching profession.

“We've got to be ambitious for our students and we have to make sure we can level the playing field, no matter what the postcode, background or challenge a student may face” Mr Dizdar said.

The draft plan is a commitment for every student, regardless of background or circumstances, to learn, grow and belong in public education so they can achieve, generate learning success and thrive in public schools.

The draft plan has been developed with input from teachers, school leaders, and education stakeholders, from across rural, regional and metropolitan NSW.

There are six focus areas:

• Deliver equitable outcomes, opportunities and experiences
• Give children the best start in learning
• Deliver outstanding teaching and learning
• Improve student wellbeing and development
• Provide meaningful post-school pathways
• Rebuild trust and pride in the teaching profession

“We’ll draw on the success factors which are known to take education systems from being a good system for most to a great system for all and deliver improvement in every classroom,” Mr Dizdar said.

Importantly, the draft plan aims to improve the wellbeing of teachers and support staff by addressing workload concerns.

“This plan will make sure we focus our efforts on supporting our teachers, support staff and schools so they can do the work that matters most – which is teaching, leading and supporting every student,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Transforming lives through public education”, the draft plan for NSW public education can be viewed on the website and the online feedback tool is open until Friday 25 August.