First NSW schools set for free pre-kindergarten classes from 2023 announced

The first seven locations where NSW’s new pre-kindergarten classes will be introduced have been revealed.

The first communities which will get access to a free year of pre-kindergarten education have been announced.

Mount Druitt, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble will be the first to get access to the new year of education, introduced as part of a massive $5.8 billion reform of the early learning system announced by the NSW Government.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the locations were chosen because research had shown the children starting school in those areas were more “developmentally vulnerable and the data shows us that there needs to be a focus on these particular communities”.

The five-day-a-week classes will kick off in early 2023.

By 2030 the government plans on having the program running statewide.

Premier Dominic Perrottet at KU Children’s Services in Hebersham on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Education minister Sarah Mitchell announced the seven communities on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

It means parents and carers will have the option of sending their child for a full year of education before kindergarten begins.

Initial classes will be held at existing early childhood services, with primary schools to take more of the classes as the program expands in the coming years.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the move was a “major reform”.

“I want to be in a position in 2030 where right here in NSW every single child is enrolled in pre-K education because we know it works,” he said.

“We know it makes a difference and everything that we can do to support our young children and get (them) the best start in life, we will.”