Why Five-Day Kindergarten in Schools is a Step in the Wrong Direction

The Western Australian Government’s proposal to introduce full-time five-day kindergarten in schools has sparked concern among early childhood education professionals. While increasing access to early learning is vital, this initiative risks undermining the fundamental principles of play-based learning, disregarding the expertise of the early childhood sector, and creating unnecessary duplication of services at a significant cost to taxpayers.

The Academic Push-Down Effect

One of the major concerns is the growing trend of academic push-down in early childhood education. Research consistently highlights that young children learn best through play, exploration, and social interactions rather than structured, academic-focused instruction. Yet, we are already witnessing a shift where kindergartens are pressured to meet formal schooling expectations, reducing the opportunities for meaningful play-based learning.

The original purpose of kindergarten was to provide a safe, stimulating environment where children could develop foundational social, emotional, and cognitive skills before transitioning to formal schooling. High-quality early childhood programs prioritise socialisation, problem-solving, self-regulation, and creativity—all of which are best nurtured through play. A five-day school-based model risks further eroding these essential experiences by shifting the focus towards premature academic instruction.

High-Quality Play-Based Learning Already Exists

Western Australia already has a well-established network of community-based and long day care services that provide exceptional play-based kindergarten programs, led by qualified early childhood teachers. These programs operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF), ensuring high standards in early childhood education.

• The National Quality Standard (NQS) promotes play-based learning, relationships, and child-led exploration.
• The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) v2.0 ensures a balance between intentional teaching and child-initiated play, supporting holistic development.
• The Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012 and the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012 set rigorous requirements for early childhood education providers.

Instead of diverting funds to duplicate these services in schools, the government should invest in enhancing access to existing high-quality programs that are already meeting the developmental needs of young children.

An Unnecessary and Wasteful Use of Taxpayer Funds

The proposed expansion of five-day kindergarten in schools represents a costly duplication of services, misallocating taxpayer funds when high-quality early learning environments already exist. Western Australia’s early childhood education sector has the infrastructure, trained professionals, and evidence-based curriculum to support young learners. Redirecting funding towards supporting families’ access to these existing services would be a far more efficient and effective use of resources.

Other states, such as Victoria and Queensland, have recognised the value of maintaining kindergarten within early childhood services, while increasing government support to improve affordability and accessibility. Western Australia should take a similar approach—strengthening and funding existing services rather than undermining them with unnecessary school-based reforms.

Wrap-Around Care: A Crucial Factor for Families

Another overlooked issue with five-day kindergarten in schools is the lack of wrap-around care options. Many parents work hours that do not align with the traditional school day, making long day care and community-based early learning services a far more viable option.

Unlike schools, which operate within rigid hours, early childhood education services offer flexible care arrangements that better support working families. If the government’s goal is to improve accessibility for parents, the solution lies in investing in existing early learning centres, which provide both high-quality education and the flexible care families need.

The Best Way Forward

Instead of introducing five-day kindergarten in schools, the government should focus on strengthening and expanding access to existing high-quality early childhood education services. Play-based learning must remain at the heart of kindergarten education, and funding should be allocated to ensure that all children—regardless of their family’s circumstances—have access to a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

A well-funded, high-quality early childhood sector is the key to giving children the best start in life. Western Australia has the opportunity to support children’s learning in a way that respects the importance of play, values the role of early childhood educators, and truly meets the needs of families.