Three-year-old preschool trial kicking goals in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government’s three-year-old preschool trial, operating in six schools across the NT, is supporting more than 70 children to access early learning.

Operating at the following six schools, the program  offers families the opportunity to engage their children in education from an earlier age, boosting their physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills, and laying foundations for lifelong learning.

• Malak Primary School
• Manunda Terrace Primary School
• Ludmilla Primary School
• Berry Springs Primary School
• Tennant Creek Primary School
• Braitling Primary School.

The trial complements other early years education programs running across the Territory’s urban, regional and remote areas including Families as First Teachers and Stay Play Learn.

In remote communities such as Galiwin’ku, Gunbalanya, Yuendumu, Milikapiti and Harts Range, children are already enrolled in preschool from the age of three years, and families in the NT are provided with 15 hours per week of preschool free of charge in government schools for children in the year before they start full-time schooling.

“We want to keep building Territory kids up, so they have the best possible shot in life,” Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.

“Malak Preschool alone has seen a jump in enrolments for three-year-old preschool, from eight enrolments in term four last year to 15 in 2022.”

“We know increased participation in quality education programs in the early years is the foundation for lifelong learning and significantly contributes to a child’s success later in life,” Minister for Education Lauren Moss added, “and that’s why we are investing in programs to engage children in education from an earlier age.”

“So far we are pleased with the success of the trial program and excited about the future prospects for Territory children.”