A Minns Labor Government will build 100 public preschools co-located with government primary schools, in its first term of government if elected.
This plan to build more preschools represents a more proactive approach in boosting the availability of preschool places for families.
It sets out a tangible step towards universal preschool for four year olds before 2030.
The Liberals and Nationals have not provided a substantive plan to deliver universal preschool by its nominated timeline of 2030.
Under Labor’s plan, every new primary school will be built with co-located preschools.
Labor will also build preschools at existing underutilised schools.
The funding for this will come from within the NSW Government’s budget allocation of $3.8 billion for early childhood learning initiatives.
The Victorian Labor Government has committed to a similar plan to build 50 new state-run early education centres.
Education outcomes have declined over the last 12 years under the Liberal and Nationals – against other states, PISA results show NSW has dropped from 3rd to 5th in maths and science; and 4th to 6th in reading.
In addition, more than one in five NSW students are not meeting the national minimum standard for reading and numeracy.
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said:
The Liberals and Nationals don’t have a comprehensive plan to deliver on universal preschool for four year olds or improve student outcomes.
“Parents will tell you they can’t wait until 2030 for the Liberals and Nationals to start acting on delivering accessible and affordable preschool.”
Deputy NSW Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Prue Car said the government should act now and build onsite preschools at flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers:
“NSW could start this today by building public preschools at flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers as they are being rebuilt.
“But after 12 years of neglect, how can anyone trust the Liberals and Nationals to deliver on accessible early childhood education and reverse the declining education outcomes?
“Labor’s plan sets out a tangible way forward to deliver expanded preschool more quickly and improve education outcomes for students.”