Families across the Hunter region are set to benefit as the NSW Labor Government reveals the biggest expansion in childhood education in NSW history.
The NSW Labor Government is investing a record $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools across NSW, including 12 in the Hunter region.
New public preschools to be built in the Hunter:
- Booragul Public School
- Cessnock Public School
- Ellalong Public School
- Gillieston Public School
- Kearsley Public School
- Kurri Kurri Public School
- Maryland Public School
- Nulkaba Public School
- Shortland Public School
- Tenambit Public School
- Teralba Public School
- Weston Public School
Co-located at public primary school sites, the new public preschools will be built over the next three years in areas of greatest need across NSW.
After more than a decade of decline in education outcomes, the NSW Government will prioritise quality education in the early years, giving every child the best start for success.
The public preschools will improve access for families across NSW, with sites selected by a NSW Department of Education Panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on rigorous assessment criteria which considered educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, preschool demand, infrastructure feasibility and insights gained through consultation.
Co-locating public preschools with existing schools will ensure children are ready for kindergarten and will assist busy working families with cost of living pressures, help avoid the double drop off, make the transition to school as seamless as possible.
The NSW Government's election commitment to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the Liberal and Nationals' unrealistic claim it would build 500 preschools- a last minute announcement made on the eve of an election, with zero consultation and no proper planning.
This is part of the NSW Labor Government's historic investment in early childhood education, which includes a $60 million commitment to build and upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need. The NSW Government has also committed up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"I am so proud that the NSW Labor Government will deliver these 100 public preschools for the people of NSW, and it is fantastic to see 12 of these preschools will be built across this wonderful region.
"Our government is committed to providing high quality public education to the people of NSW, and having access to early education should be accessible to families all across the Hunter."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"I am delighted to see new public preschools will be delivered in the Hunter.
"Our region is growing and as Minister for the Hunter it's a priority for me that young working families are supported with equitable access to childcare.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
"This investment in pre-school education in the fast growing area of Maitland is vital to preparing our children for success at school and will be well used by local families in the Tenambit and Gillieston Heights areas."
"This significant investment will give our local children that vital first step up in their education journey."
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
"I am thrilled to see my local community will be gaining expanded access to public preschools.
"This is an incredible boost to the education of our youngest students and is a massive assist to families in the area who need every bit of support they can get especially during this cost-of-living crisis."
Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:
"Access to early learning is something we can all support.
"This historic investment will benefit young families across NSW."
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:
"This major step towards delivering 100 public preschools has involved work and consultation with our educators, teachers and local communities.
"We are committed to working hard to deliver high quality education and closing equity gaps, so more families and children in NSW can access early childhood public education."
