NSW to provide a year of free preschool for all families by 2030

“This reform will deliver intergenerational results for our kids and our economy.”

The NSW government is introducing a year of free preschool education for families by 2030. This is the start of one of the biggest education reforms in a generation.

“This is incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families.”

Dominic Perrottet, Premier of NSW

How will the NSW government provide a year of free preschool?

The NSW 2022 and 2023 NSW budget will set aside over $5.8 billion over the next decade to introduce a year of free preschool for all children in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet believes the ‘nation-leading’ investment in families is on a scale never seen before in Australia.

 “We’re ensuring our youngest learners thrive by introducing a full year of preschool education before Kindergarten, as we know how important it is to have a strong educational foundation.”

Does Pre-Kindergarten or Preschool make a difference?

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, believes there is clear evidence that providing the best education begins ‘in the early years’.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will give every child in NSW access to a specialised year of play-based learning, smoothing their transition to school and solidifying their path to a brighter future.”

“Universal pre-Kindergarten is something I have been working hard to bring to NSW for a number of years, having seen the benefits of it for children and families in countries like Canada.

 It is so exciting to know that in NSW we will soon be unleashing the power of universal pre-Kindergarten.”

Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning

NSW Treasurer, Matt Kean, also believes children who receive quality childhood education are more likely to receive better results at school and earn more across their lifetime.

“This Budget is all about investing in a better future, and setting our kids up for success is priceless.”

Who will be involved in offering a year of free preschool in NSW?

The NSW Government will consult with families, peak bodies and service providers to create the ‘best model’ for the new change.

Parents, educators, services and stakeholders will also help with the new change and improvements to ensure a smooth transition into primary school.

The new change will build on the other commitments of the NSW budget.

“This is incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Perrottet said.