1000 new free preschool places to open in the Hunter, NSW Government announces

A major investment in public preschools is set to create 1,000 new places for young children across the Hunter region, as part of the NSW Government’s plan to expand access to free early learning.

Young families in the Hunter will benefit from a significant expansion of free public preschool access, with the NSW Government committing to deliver more than 1,000 new places across 12 new or expanded services in the region.

The investment forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to increase the number of free preschool places in public schools, aiming to establish 100 new preschools across the state by 2027.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the new preschools will be co-located with public primary schools, providing children with the benefits of integrated learning environments and smoother transitions to school.

“This investment is about ensuring families in the Hunter and across New South Wales can access high-quality preschool, regardless of where they live or what their background is,” Ms Car said.

Among the 14 new or expanded preschool sites in the Hunter are schools located in areas of high demand and population growth, including Cessnock West, Muswellbrook South and Rutherford.

The announcement follows extensive consultation with families, educators and community leaders across the region. According to the NSW Government, site selection was informed by an evidence-based assessment of need, with particular focus on rural and regional communities where demand for early learning is strong.

Construction and service planning will begin immediately, with the first places expected to be available by 2027.

The expansion of free public preschool aligns with the NSW Government’s broader strategy to enhance educational equity, improve school readiness, and ease cost-of-living pressures on families.

More information on the preschool investment can be found at www.nsw.gov.au.