Photo caption: Armidale’s Newling Public School will be one of 31 local public primary and central schools across the Northern Tablelands to have preschools constructed over the next four years as part of a $1 billion statewide commitment announced today.
Tuesday, 7 March 2023
31 new preschools to deliver fee-free learning for region
MORE than 620 extra student places will be created and 31 new preschools constructed across the Northern Tablelands over the next four years in a landmark commitment, announced today by local State MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said the once-in-a-generation reform for the region was part of a broader $1 billion statewide commitment to fast-track the construction 500 new pre-schools co-located with local public schools.
He said by 2030, every single child in NSW would have access to a full year of free, five days per week, play-based learning in the year before school.
“This is the biggest education reforms for our region in a generation and its impact cannot be overstated,” Mr Marshall said.
“It is monumental and will change lives, delivering enormous educational, social and economic benefits for the families and children of our region for decades to come.
“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the next generation and ensuring our kids get the best start in life.”
Mr Marshall said the 31 new preschools would be constructed in every corner of the region, from several schools in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and Moree, right down to small communities like Bonshaw, Woolbrook, Gum Flat and Yetman.
“No matter where you grow up in our region, it should not determine your access to a good education, even before you begin school,” he said.
“I’m thrilled not just with the number of new preschools proposed, but the spread of locations, covering high demand areas but also geographically remote locations.
“This is often the downfall of any programs for the bush, but no one will be left behind when these new centres are built.”
The State Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood to deliver a brighter future for every child.
This includes the introduction of universal pre-Kindergarten, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief.
The 31 locations for new preschools across the Northern Tablelands are:
• Armidale City Public School
• Ashford Central School
• Bald Blair Public School
• Ben Venue Public School (Armidale)
• Bingara Central School
• Bonshaw Public School
• Bundarra Central School
• Deepwater Public School
• Delungra Public School
• Ebor Public School
• Gilgai Public School
• Glen Innes West Infants School
• Gravesend Public School
• Gum Flat Public School
• Guyra Central School
• Kellys Plains Public School
• Kentucky Public School
• Kingstown Public School
• Martins Gully Public School (Armidale)
• Moree East Public School
• Newling Public School (Armidale)
• Red Range Public School
• Rocky River Public School
• Ross Hill Public School (Inverell)
• Sandon Public School (Armidale)
• Tingha Public School
• Uralla Central School
• Walcha Central School
• Warialda Public School
• Woolbrook Public School
• Yetman Public School