More than $38 million to expand access to early education across Western Australia

More than 140 new early childhood education and care places will be created across Western Australia under a landmark agreement between the Australian and Western Australian governments.

The Albanese and Cook Labor governments will invest more than $38 million to deliver four new early learning services in outer-suburban and remote communities, including services co-located with public schools.

The agreement represents the first time the Australian and Western Australian governments have partnered to make early education and care for children from birth to five years of age available on WA public school sites.

The Australian Government will invest up to $27.9 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to support the delivery of the four services.

Three locations have been confirmed:

• Maarakool Primary School
• Greenmount Primary School
• A new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby

A fourth project is well advanced and will be announced by the two governments shortly.

The Western Australian Government will support the development of the co-located services by providing land on public school sites.

Together, the projects are expected to create more than 140 additional early childhood education and care places.

The Derby Early Learning and Family Centre will be delivered through a partnership involving the Australian and Western Australian governments, the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children and the Minderoo Foundation through Western Australia’s Early Years Partnership.

The Australian Government will contribute $9 million to the Derby project, while the Western Australian Government will invest $7.5 million.

The integrated centre will bring early learning and family support together in one location, improving access for children and families in the remote Kimberley community.

Co-locating early childhood education and care services with schools is intended to make daily routines easier for families, particularly those managing care and school arrangements for children of different ages.

The model can also provide greater continuity between early learning and school, helping children build familiarity with the school environment and supporting a smoother transition into formal schooling.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said access to early education should not be determined by where a child lives.

“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine whether you can access early education,” Minister Clare said.

“These projects in Western Australia mean more families can access early learning close to home and more children start school ready to go and ready to learn.”

Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education Senator Dr Jess Walsh said the Building Early Education Fund was helping establish quality, not-for-profit services in communities where they were needed most.

“These projects mean more families can access early learning close to home and children can get a great start in life,” Minister Walsh said.

“Co-locating early learning services with schools helps children transition smoothly to school and gives families a one-stop drop.”

Western Australian Minister for Early Childhood Education Sabine Winton said placing early learning services alongside schools was a practical way to support children and families.

“Putting early learning services alongside schools is a practical way to make life easier for families and help children build familiarity and confidence before they start school,” Minister Winton said.

The Building Early Education Fund provides capital funding to build or expand early learning services in communities experiencing limited access and unmet demand.

The WA projects form part of a broader national effort to increase access to early childhood education and care, particularly in outer-suburban, regional and remote communities.

In addition to creating new early learning places, the investment is expected to support parental workforce participation, strengthen regional communities and help more children access early education close to home.

More information is available through the Australian Government’s announcement here.