The Territory Labor Government’s three-year-old preschool trial is now operating in six schools, with more than 70 children enrolled across the Territory.
Delivering on another election commitment, the $2.2 million program supports new early childhood learning opportunities with preschool for three-year-olds now operating at:
· Malak Primary School
· Manunda Terrace Primary School
· Ludmilla Primary School
· Berry Springs Primary School
· Tennant Creek Primary School
· Braitling Primary School
It also offers families the opportunity to engage their children in education from an earlier age.
Early childhood education plays a key role in the development of children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills, laying foundations for lifelong learning.
The trial complements other early years education programs running across the Territory’s urban, regional and remote areas including Families as First Teachers and Stay Play Learn.
In remote communities such as Galiwin’ku, Gunbalanya, Yuendumu, Milikapiti and Harts Range, children are already enrolled in preschool from the age of three.
Families in the Territory are provided with 15 hours per week of preschool free of charge in government schools for children in the year before they start full-time schooling.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
“We want to keep building Territory kids up, so they have the best possible shot in life.
“Malak Preschool alone has seen a jump in enrolments for three-year-old preschool, from eight enrolments in term four last year to 15 in 2022.
“We are proud to invest in this program to ensure more families can access earlier education and with subsidised help.”
Quotes from Minister for Education Lauren Moss:
“We know increased participation in quality education programs in the early years is the foundation for lifelong learning and significantly contributes to a child’s success later in life and that’s why we are investing in programs to engage children in education from an earlier age.
“Early childhood education is one of the most important investments society can make towards a child’s education and lifetime well-being and our Government wants Territory children to have access to opportunities to be the best they can be.
“So far we are pleased with the success of the trial program and excited about the future prospects for Territory children.”
