The Minns Labor Government has officially opened the first of 100 new public preschools today. This initiative aims to give every child in New South Wales the best possible start to their education.
Located at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, the new preschool can accommodate up to 80 children each week. It provides increased access to high-quality, free early education in South West Sydney.
The preschool’s location alongside the primary school makes it easier for students to transition into kindergarten and full-time schooling. It also simplifies drop-off and pick-up for parents with older children at the same school.
This opening is part of a historic $769 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to establish 100 new public preschools by 2027. This expansion will double the current number of public preschools across the state. Once completed, over 9,000 families will benefit from access to fee-free, quality early education in their local areas.
By the end of this year, tenders for 85 of these preschools will be released, with the first set already available. This includes preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
The NSW Government is working towards providing universal preschool access across the state. This effort stands in stark contrast to the previous government, which did not build any public preschools in over twelve years. Research indicates that children who attend quality preschool programs for at least five days every fortnight in the year before starting school are better prepared with the social, cognitive, and emotional skills necessary for learning.
With this first preschool now open, the Minns Labor Government remains on track to fulfill its promise of 100 public preschools by 2027.
Children can enroll in public preschools if they turn four on or before July 31 in the year prior to starting school.
NSW Premier Chris Minns commented, “This was one of the largest and most important commitments we made before the election, and it’s fantastic to reach this milestone. Early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our young people and is essential for helping parents return to work. There is no better investment for our government than in young people and their education. Every family in New South Wales should have access to quality, fee-free early education for their 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 added, “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. This marks the start of a significant expansion in preschool access for families across NSW. The Minns Labor Government is investing in our future by providing more children with access to quality preschool before they start school. We are committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality early education, regardless of their postcode.”
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda stated, “Access to a free public preschool is a game changer for many families in Liverpool and beyond. I am thrilled that Liverpool will be the first community to benefit from this fantastic initiative. Early childhood education is crucial for improving opportunities for children and families. The cost of early childcare has previously limited access for many parents. This affordable option, located alongside local public schools, provides a vital pathway for families to enroll their children in quality preschool programs.”
Gulyangarri Public School principal Ian Tapuska expressed, “The new public preschool will help create strong connections among children, families, and school staff. It will foster a sense of belonging and assist teachers in understanding and meeting each child’s individual needs as they start school. The preschoolers will become part of our public education family, and we look forward to supporting a positive transition for our youngest learners.”
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