Grammar back in NSW schools' overhaul

The English and maths curriculum will be overhauled in NSW schools to include a back-to-basics emphasis on grammar, punctuation, syntax and core numeracy.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell released the new school syllabuses on Monday, saying it would require a teaching overhaul.

But the Labor opposition has accused the government of "tinkering around the edges" while major issues within the state's education system went by unaddressed.

The rejig of the syllabus for years 3 to 10 students comes after NAPLAN results showed slippage in numeracy and literacy skills in particular year groups, including years 5 and 9.

"What we'll see with these new syllabuses across English and maths is that continued focus on explicit learning and evidence-based approach and making sure that students master the basics," Ms Mitchell told reporters.

"It's not just about setting them up for the time while they're at school, but also giving them what they need when they go on to future employment and study."

The new focus on phonics for Kindergarten to Year 2 students released earlier this year had been "a game-changer that is already delivering results", Ms Mitchell said.

The premier called the reform a once-in-a-generation opportunity for NSW students.

"It is vital that NSW students are developing strong skills in both literacy and numeracy so they can succeed in school and beyond," he said.

"If our NAPLAN results have shown us anything, it's that we need to focus on the explicit teaching of grammar, sentence structure and punctuation in high school, along with better preparation for mandatory HSC maths.

"Focusing on those foundational skills is key to success and there's no better place to start that journey than at the beginning of a child's education - in primary school."

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said while changes to the curriculum were welcome but the major issue with the education system was the inability to attract and retain teachers.

"(The premier is) tinkering around the edges when you consider the major issues we've got with teacher recruitment and retention, Mr Minns said.

Nearly two thirds of teachers are planning to quit the profession due to unsustainable workloads, exhaustion, stress and burn out, according to a recent Monash University study.

Labor has committed abolishing the 2.5 per cent wage cap on teacher salaries if elected in March.

Both parties have committed to hiring 10,000 new teachers, or converting those on casual roles to permanent positions.

Meanwhile, parents will be given a leg-up as they head into the summer holidays with a bonus $500 voucher for before and after school care.

The vouchers are available for parents of school-aged children, including little ones starting kindergarten next year.

Mr Perrottet urged mums and dads heading into the long summer break to download the vouchers to cover the cost of vacation care.

Parents can claim one voucher per child, and they are available to download until January 31 and can be used until June 30.

Parents can use the Service NSW website to find before and after school providers that accept vouchers.