NSW state election: Labor preschool pledge announced at Leichhardt Primary School

In a bold election pledge, Labor has committed to creating 100 new preschools, connected to existing public primary schools, in their first term of office. Find out how it will work.

Labor has pledged to deliver more preschools. ​

In a bold election pledge, Labor has committed to creating 100 new preschools, connected to existing public primary schools, in their first term of office.

Deputy leader and Shadow Education Minister Prue Carr announced the commitment at Leichhardt Primary School, one of the first potential beneficiaries of the promise, and described it as a major contribution for the children of NSW.

“This is a real step towards getting to universal pre kindergarten for children to make sure they get on the … right education path to set them up for the future,” she said.

“Our plan to build 100 public preschools in NSW in the first term of a Labor government, if elected, would be the single biggest investment in public preschools in NSW’s history.”

The preschools would only take children who will attend primary school the following year.

The election promise will build on an earlier $60m commitment, announced in January, to build or upgrade at least 50 preschools on Catholic and Independent school grounds in high-growth suburbs like Riverstone, Camden, Leppington, Austral, and Schofields.

Labor candidate for Balmain Philippa Scott with Labor MP Prue Car outside Leichhardt Primary School.

Labor leader Chris Minns said at the earlier announcement the police was designed to ensure more children get access to a universal pre-kindergarten year of schooling before 2030. “Working with the non-government sector to build and expand preschools is a tangible and important initiative to deliver universal preschool for four year olds,” he said.

Prue Car said this would be the largest investment in public preschools in NSW’s history.

Labor candidate for Balmain Philippa Scott said it was an exciting commitment.

“As a lifelong local and mum of two kids, I am so excited to expand public preschooling opportunities for our community,” she said.

“I’ve been fighting for public education my entire life and today’s announcement builds on this commitment. Only a Labor Government can deliver universal preschool for the children of Balmain.”

There are also plans for a second primary school in the Balmain electorate to receive a collocated preschool. The precise school is yet to be determined and will require further consultation.

A Labor spokesman said the 100 preschools would be funded out of Labor’s existing pre-kindergarten commitment, with the full costings to be provided to the Parliamentary Budget Office next week.