The WA Government has brought forward the start date of its free full-time kindergarten pilot, with the program now set to begin in 2026.
Five schools across the State have been selected to take part in the groundbreaking pilot from Term 1 next year, including Roleystone Community College, Halidon Primary, and Banksia Grove Primary in the metropolitan region, and South Kalgoorlie Primary School and Dalyellup Primary in regional Western Australia.
The Government says the program’s broader rollout will be informed by the trial, with an aim to expand free full-time kindy State-wide through phased implementation.
“My government is committed to supporting Western Australian families and ensuring children get the best possible start to their education,” said Premier, Roger Cook.
“Not only does free full-time kindy ensure children are receiving high-quality early childhood education, it also supports families with an affordable, reliable early learning option and allows parents to return to the workforce.
“I am pleased that this nation-leading trial is being brought forward to 2026 and look forward to seeing it rolled out at these pilot schools.”
The initiative will see pilot schools deliver a high-quality play-based kindergarten program that helps prepare children for school and supports their social and emotional development, while also saving families thousands of dollars in childcare costs.
“As a mother of three daughters and a former teacher of 27 years, I am proud to be delivering on this nation-leading initiative for WA’s children and families,” said Early Childhood Minister, Sabine Winton.
“Quality early childhood education helps foster children’s social and emotional development – helping them to become more confident, creative, and resilient.
“I trust that the families and children in these schools’ local communities will greatly benefit from this pilot, and that the schools will be supported during the roll out by the Office of Early Childhood.
“Our government will continue to support initiatives that prioritise positive outcomes in the early years of children’s development.”
Planning for the 2026 kindy rollout is being coordinated by the Office in consultation with the Department of Education, schools and communities.
A State-wide expression of interest process for more public schools and community kindergartens to apply to join the pilot in 2027 will open next week, along with a community feedback form to open later in the year.
