NSW Labor clarifies proposed 100 preschools on new public schools' grounds

On 24 June 2022, ACA NSW received the written clarification from the NSW Labor Opposition following their announcement of 100 preschools co-located on new public schools to be built from 2023 to 2027.

To achieve preschool availability in NSW, NSW Labor's Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Education & Early Childhood Learning (Prue Car MP) said:

"Recognising oversupply currently exists in a number of areas, co-located preschools under this plan will be targeted to areas with identified genuine need of additional preschool places.

This policy will also continue to leverage existing preschool places already provided through long daycare services as well as community/mobile preschools.

Independent expert advice will identify and prioritise areas with the highest and genuine need for the placement of these preschools.

NSW Labor is also committed to working with non-government providers to marry new capacity with measurable need.

NSW Labor particularly looks forward to announcing a comprehensive recruitment strategy in the lead up to the 2023 election that will support both the early childhood education and teaching workforces and services."

This follows the NSW Coalition Government's proposal for non-compulsory universal pre-kindergarten to begin by 2030 announced as part of the NSW Budget 2022-23 on 21 June 2022.

The NSW State Election will be held in 9 months' time on Saturday, 25 March 2023.

For any further information/clarification, members can contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 24 JUNE 2022