The first locations for 100 new public preschools on public school sites have today been unveiled as the Minns Labor Government progresses its mission of boosting access to early childhood education and works towards the goal of providing universal access to preschool.
Tomorrow's Budget will reveal the State Government is investing $769 million to deliver 100 new public pre-schools, including building a pre-school on the grounds of every new public primary school built in NSW.
Today's list (below) of new or redeveloped primary schools shows Labor is using the Budget wisely and getting on with the job of delivering essential services to communities across NSW.
Labor's commitment to increasing access to high-quality early childhood education will ensure more children are set up for a life of learning and strengthen existing service provision.
The first tranche of the 100 public preschools will be built by the Minns Labor Government alongside primary schools at:
- Nirimba Fields in North West Sydney
- Gables in North West Sydney
- Melonba in North West Sydney
- Carter Street Precinct near Sydney Olympic Park
- Melrose Park Public School near Ryde
- Gulyangarri Public School in South West Sydney
- Wilton Junction in South West Sydney
- Nowra on the South Coast
- Lennox Head Public School on the North Coast
- Albury Thurgoona in southern NSW
The remaining 90 sites are being selected based on a rigorous analysis of educational need, child development outcomes and projected future demand for preschool access.
A consultation process with local school principals and current service providers was launched in August.
An independent expert reviewer has been appointed to ensure an equitable selection of sites where preschools will deliver the best outcomes for children and communities.
The NSW Government's approach is in sharp contrast to the former Liberal and National Government's thought bubble to build 500 preschools, which it announced last minute without any consultation or proper planning.
Australian Early Development Census data shows 1 in 5 children do not start school developmentally on track, and this proportion is higher for vulnerable children. Research shows that access to quality preschool education improves lifelong outcomes for children and families.
Co-locating preschools with schools will help working families and support children to make a smooth transition to kindergarten.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"We are committed to universal access to preschool.
"We need to invest in early childhood education. Investment in quality early childhood education and care has lifelong benefits for our young kids and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.
"Today we've announced the first 10 of 100 new preschool sites. I want more preschools in places in the areas that need it most."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The Minns Labor Government is proud and excited about the progress we are making on delivering more early childhood places across the state.
"This is the largest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.
"We know that access to high quality, play-based learning in the years before starting school sets children up for success and prepares them to transition smoothly into kindergarten and beyond.
"Growing stronger connections between early learning and primary education will help children learn important skills for life and learning, and give parents and carers great choice and flexibility particularly in those areas of greatest educational need.
"This is just the beginning of the NSW Government's mission to shape a positive future for younger generations, with quality preschool a top priority for our government."
