NSW Government advances early learning infrastructure with major preschool construction initiative

The New South Wales Government has awarded an infrastructure contract to support the delivery of 40 new public preschools across Sydney’s Western and Metropolitan regions, as part of its 100 Public Preschool Program aimed at increasing access to early learning.

Richard Crookes Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to oversee the design, finalisation, and construction of the facilities. The project is scheduled to run from 18 March 2025 to 11 December 2028, with a contract value exceeding $10 million, inclusive of GST.

The new preschools will be co-located with existing public schools, including Eschol Park Public School and Shalvey Public School. This co-location approach is intended to streamline transitions between early learning and primary education and make services more accessible to families.

The initiative focuses on addressing demand for early learning infrastructure in growth areas and regions with limited existing provision. By increasing capacity, the government expects to reduce waiting lists and improve equity in access to preschool.

Impacts on access and the broader workforce

The expansion is expected to increase the availability of preschool places, potentially alleviating pressure on current services. It may also contribute to local employment through construction activity and, later, the staffing of new facilities.

This project aligns with the state’s broader education strategy, which includes efforts to support access to preschool in the year before school. The 100 Public Preschool Program is one element of this strategy, with further initiatives anticipated as part of long-term planning.