Innovative service model delivers early learning centre for Lockhart community

A new early learning service has opened in Lockhart, New South Wales, following a unique collaboration between the NSW Department of Education and Lockhart Shire Council to address service gaps in rural areas.

The Lockhart Early Learning Centre, located on the grounds of Lockhart Central School, is believed to be the first long day care service to operate on a NSW public school site under a council-run model. The service will cater for up to 25 children aged from six weeks to six years, operating weekdays between 8.30am and 5pm.

The project responds to the closure of the town’s only long day care service in 2024 and reflects a growing policy focus on strengthening service access, particularly in regional and remote communities.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the partnership model demonstrated how state and local government collaboration could deliver critical early childhood infrastructure where it was needed most.

The service’s proximity to Lockhart Central School is expected to support better transitions to formal schooling, aligning with broader state initiatives to enhance continuity of learning across the early years.

The fit-out, completed within 10 months, involved converting existing school infrastructure to meet National Quality Framework (NQF) standards, including upgrades to fencing, bathroom and nappy change facilities, and the addition of a dedicated cot room.

Lockhart Shire Mayor and Member for Murray Joe McGirr said the partnership approach was key to delivering the much-needed service for families, while creating new opportunities for local early childhood professionals.

Enrolments for the Lockhart Early Learning Centre are now open, with demand expected to increase in line with regional growth projections.

Photo and original article supplied by the NSW Department of Education. Read more here.