Local families first to benefit from universal pre-Kindergarten in NSW

Families in Wellington and West Dubbo will be among the first to access the NSW Government’s landmark universal pre-Kindergarten reform.

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the services at Dubbo West Public School and Wellington Public School will be among the first 71 early childhood services from across NSW to begin participating in the first stage from next month.

“Local families will be among the first to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s historic investment in early childhood education,” Mr Saunders said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the first stage will ensure a smooth state-wide roll-out.

“This first stage will ensure we get things right from the beginning – that includes capturing the diverse needs of children, families and communities right across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the historic investment by the NSW Government will deliver significant growth in the development of children across NSW.

“In a ground-breaking move thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, every family across NSW will have access to a full year of universal quality preschool education for their children in the year before school by 2030,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said services will be testing different elements of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s landmark universal pre-Kindergarten reform, including increased attendance, extended hours of operation, and transition to school programs.

“This is one of the biggest education reforms in a generation; this investment will change lives, delivering enormous educational, social and economic benefits for the families and children of NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.

Feedback from the first 71 early childhood services, which include Department preschools and community preschools, long day care and mobile services, will ensure a smooth state-wide implementation of universal pre-Kindergarten.

Alongside this investment, part of our long-term economic plan, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is currently assessing opportunities to build the capacity of the sector, including investments in early learning facilities and a raft of workforce initiatives.

More than $5.8 billion in the 2022/23 NSW Budget was allocated to begin the delivery of a universal pre-Kindergarten year for all children in the year before school in NSW by 2030. It’s part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals’ $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.

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