The state government has announced a $34 million funding for free full-time kindergarten enrolments, with a trial to be conducted in 10 locations.
The state government has announced a $34 million funding for free full-time kindergarten enrolments, with a trial to be conducted in 10 locations.
In its announcement, the state government said implementing full-time kindergarten in the year before compulsory primary schooling would increase the days of free early childhood education from five days per fortnight to per week.
Free full-time kindy is set to be trialed in 10 locations across metropolitan and regional Western Australia with the list of schools involved to be announced in due course.
The state government committed $28.9 million to improve early childhood workforce and infrastructure in the 2025-36 budget, which will be delivered next week.
A $4.9 million package had also been invested in the 2024-25 mid-year review to establish an Office of Early Childhood, the state government said.
The office will lead the development of the WA Play Strategy, focusing on the role play has in children’s cognitive and physical skills.
Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said the funding would provide flexibility to parents and caregivers.
“We know that early childhood education plays a critical role in getting children ready for school and setting them up for long-term success, and that’s why free full-time kindy is so important,” she said.
“As a mother of three daughters and a former teacher of 27 years, I am particularly excited about the development of the WA Play Strategy, which will help foster children’s emotional and social development.
“I look forward to working with the sector to roll out this important, nation-leading initiative.”
