Free full-time Kindergarten pilot to start in 2026
From Term 1 2026, five public schools in WA will participate in a free full-time Kindergarten pilot. The participating schools will offer non-compulsory kindergarten five days per week.
Why is full-time Kindergarten being trialled?
The first five years of life are critical—90% of a child’s brain development happens before age five. Early childhood education helps develop essential cognitive, emotional and social skills in the first five years of a child’s life. These skills help children to be better prepared to start school.
This program also supports working parents and caregivers, saving on childcare costs and giving more children access to play based kindergarten.
Schools participating in the full-time Kindergarten pilot
Following strong community support, the pilot will commence earlier than scheduled, in three Perth metropolitan and two regional Western Australian schools. These include:
- Halidon Primary,
- Roleystone Community College,
- Dalyellup Primary,
- South Kalgoorlie Primary and
- Banksia Grove Primary.
Expressions of interest will open in September 2025 to choose the next group of schools to join the pilot in 2027.
Interested to find out more about the program?
For more information about the Free Full-time Kindergarten pilot program visit Free full-time kindergarten.
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