Extra year of school set to give young best start

The State Government will set aside more than $5.8 billion over 10 years to introduce universal pre-Kindergarten for all children in NSW by 2030.
This transformational new year of preschool education – although not compulsory – will change and improve, with the help of parents, educators, services and stakeholders, how children enter and prepare for school.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the huge investment in families was on a scale never seen before in Australia.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Families, peak bodies and service providers will be consulted to ”create the best model for the new, universal pre-Kindergarten year for all children in NSW”.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, says the evidence is clear that providing the best education starts 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,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It is so exciting to know that in NSW we will soon be unleashing the power of universal pre-Kindergarten.”