NSW commits to a further 12 months of “free” community and mobile preschools

The New South Wales (NSW) state Government has confirmed that it will extend its “free” community and mobile preschool initiative for a further 12 months as it aims to maintain support for families and also early childhood educators and teachers working in the sector across the state. 

The commitment will see $120 million of funding provided to support three to five-year-olds attending community preschools with 15 hours of free care per child each week. 

“Support for families and children has been a priority for this Government during the pandemic and I’m committed to see it continue while we recover,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.  

“Initially announced early in our COVID-19 response, the free preschool program has supported countless jobs, and kept children learning and engaged during some of their most important years.”

The funding will be made available to approximately 700 state-funded community preschools and 38 mobile preschool services that provide care for over 44,000 three to five year olds in the years before school.

“This is a $120 million investment in our future, which will remove a layer of financial pressure for many families during this uncertain time. It will also help support more than 7,400 early childhood educators and teachers in their vital roles,” NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell, who joined Ms Berejiklian and Mr Perrottet for the announcement said “Early childhood education is so important, especially in those critical two years before school.” 

“Families will have certainty moving into 2021, knowing that regardless of their situation their child will be able to continue with their preschool education.”

To read the statement please click here.