- Cook Government to begin rolling out optional free, full-time kindergarten from Term 1, 2026
- Trial to commence one year earlier than planned in five pilot schools, with more schools to be added in 2027
- $33.8 million investment in early childhood reform to ensure WA children get the best possible start to life
- Planning for rollout is being coordinated by the new Office of Early Childhood
The Cook Labor Government has today announced its pilot of free full-time kindergarten will be brought forward to start in 2026, delivering on a significant $33.8 million 2025 election commitment.
Five schools across the State have been selected to take part in the groundbreaking pilot from Term 1 next year, including Roleystone Community College, Halidon Primary, and Banksia Grove Primary in the metropolitan region, and South Kalgoorlie Primary School and Dalyellup Primary in regional Western Australia.
The new pilot start date is in recognition of the Cook Government's commitment to providing high-quality early learning for children and positive sector feedback, with more schools set to participate in 2027.
Broader rollout will be informed by the trial, with an aim to expand free full-time kindy State-wide through phased implementation.
Kindergarten will remain non-compulsory, and schools will work with families to support children where appropriate to access optional full-time attendance.
The initiative will see pilot schools deliver a high-quality play-based kindergarten program that helps prepare children for school and supports their social and emotional development, while also saving families thousands of dollars in childcare costs.
It forms part of the Cook Government's broader early childhood reform agenda, with the 2025-26 State Budget including $28.9 million for implementation, minor infrastructure, and measures to grow WA's early childhood workforce, additional assistance for teachers, development of additional curriculum resources, and the WA Play Strategy.
Additionally, $4.9 million was committed in the 2024-25 Mid-year Review to establish the Office of Early Childhood to provide a dedicated focus on the most critical years for child development.
Planning for the 2026 kindy rollout is being coordinated by the Office in consultation with the Department of Education, schools and communities.
A State-wide expression of interest process for more public schools and community kindergartens to apply to join the pilot in 2027 will open next week, along with a community feedback form to open later in the year.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government is committed to supporting Western Australian families and ensuring children get the best possible start to their education.
"Not only does free full-time kindy ensure children are receiving high-quality early childhood education, it also supports families with an affordable, reliable early learning option and allows parents to return to the workforce.
"I am pleased that this nation-leading trial is being brought forward to 2026 and look forward to seeing it rolled out at these pilot schools."
As stated by Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
"As a mother of three daughters and a former teacher of 27 years, I am proud to be delivering on this nation-leading initiative for WA's children and families.
"Quality early childhood education helps foster children's social and emotional development - helping them to become more confident, creative, and resilient.
"I trust that the families and children in these schools' local communities will greatly benefit from this pilot, and that the schools will be supported during the roll out by the Office of Early Childhood.
"Our government will continue to support initiatives that prioritise positive outcomes in the early years of children's development."
