The first of 100 public preschools to be built by the Minns Labor Government has opened today, as work continues to ensure every child in New South Wales has the best possible start to their education.
Attached to Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, the new public preschool will welcome up to 80 preschoolers each week, providing expanded access to quality, free, early education in South West Sydney.
Importantly, this preschool is co-located with the primary school, easing students transition into kindergarten and full-time schooling, while easing pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's historic $769 million investment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, doubling the existing number of public preschools across the state. Once complete more than 9,000 families and children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community.
Tenders to build 85 of these public preschools are being released by the end of the year, with the first tranche of tenders out to market, including for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
The NSW Government's work towards delivering universal preschool across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool.
Research shows that children who participate in a quality preschool education program for at least five days a fortnight in the year before school are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need for learning.
With the first preschool now open to students, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.
Children can enrol in public preschools if they turn 4 on or before 31 July in the year before starting school.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"This was one of the largest, and most important commitments we made prior to the election, and it's fantastic to reach this milestone.
"We know that early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our states young people and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.
"As a government there is no better investment than young people and their education.
"No matter where you decide to raise your family in New South Wales, you should have access to quality, fee-free early education for your children - and that's exactly what we're working to deliver.
"One down, 99 to go!"
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"It is wonderful to open the first of our Government's 100 new public preschools and see Liverpool's youngest learners begin their educational journey here at the new Gulyangarri Public Preschool.
"This is the first step in a major expansion in access to preschool for families across NSW. The Minns Labor Government is investing in our future by giving many more children access to quality preschool before they start school.
"We made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW's history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode."
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:
"Access to a free, public preschool is a gamechanger for so many families in Liverpool and beyond, and I am delighted that Liverpool will be the first of many communities to access this fantastic initiative.
"We know how important early childhood education is in improving opportunities for children and families for years to come.
"The cost of early childcare has previously limited access for many parents. This affordable option, co-located with local public schools, is a lifeline for those families to get their children into a quality preschool."
Gulyangarri Public School principal Ian Tapuska said:
"The new public preschool will help form strong connections between children, families and school staff, foster a sense of belonging, and help teachers understand and meet the individual needs of children when they start school.
"The preschoolers will become part of our public education family, and we look forward to supporting a positive transition to school for our youngest learners."
