The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead with Tenambit's new public preschool, which is being built onsite at Tenambit Public School.
Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, will today inspect the site, where earthwork are nearing completion and work on the floor structure well underway.
Work on the preschool commenced in December last year, and is on track to open by 2027. Once complete, the public preschool will provide places for up to 80 local children per week.
The new preschool will deliver high- quality early learning that helps children build the skills and confidence they need before starting kindergarten.
By locating the preschool on an existing public school site, it will also make life easier for families, with simpler pick up and drop off for parents with older children at the same school.
The preschool will include modern learning spaces along with staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet amenities and landscaped outdoor play areas designed to support play-based learning.
It forms part of the Minns Government's $769 million commitment to double the number of public preschools across the state. Once complete, up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee free, high quality early education in their local community.
Of the 100 new public preschools being delivered, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need following a detailed assessment process.
The program sits within the NSW Government's broader investment in early learning to give every child the best possible start to their education. This includes:
- $100 million to help community preschools extend their hours and welcome more children
- $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools
- $200 million to support Aboriginal led early learning services
- $20 million for capital works at not-for-profit early learning services in areas of need
- More than $29 million for scholarships to grow the early childhood workforce
The 100 new public preschools are the first built in NSW in almost two decades, a clear contrast to the former Liberal National government which failed to build a single public preschool in its 12 years in office.
Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:
"After 12 years of neglect under the former Liberal National government, it's fantastic to see the Minns Labor Government getting on with delivering a brand new public preschool right here in Tenambit."
"This investment will give local children access to high quality early learning close to home, helping them build the skills and confidence they need before starting school.
"Locating the preschool at Tenambit Public School will also make life easier for parents, with simpler pick up and drop off for families who already have children at the school.
"I thank Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car for working with me to deliver this important investment for families in the Maitland community."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car:
"Where your child lives should not limit what they can achieve, and for too long young families had limited access to quality early childhood education. Despite being in government for 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver for them.
"The Minns Labor Government, with the tireless advocacy of Jenny Aitchison, is backing the families of Maitland by delivering fee-free, high-quality early learning close to home.
"This is a historic expansion in public early learning, and our government is working hard to give every child in NSW the best start in life."
Quotes attributable to Principal of Tenambit Public School Deanne Brown:
"We are thrilled that Tenambit will be part of this historic expansion of public preschools, supporting families and building a strong foundation for our youngest learners.
"The co-location of the new preschool within our school grounds will create a vibrant learning hub that nurtures creativity and curiosity, while fostering a strong sense of 'being, belonging and becoming' for our youngest learners. It's an exciting development that strengthens our commitment to providing outstanding education close to home.
"Tenambit Public School is proud to welcome this facility that will ease the transition to school and support families with convenient and accessible, 'no cost' early learning options."
