Tenambit public preschool on track for 2027 opening

newy.com.au – The Minns Labor Government says work is progressing on a new public preschool at Tenambit Public School, with earthworks nearing completion and the floor structure well underway ahead of a planned 2027 opening.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison was due to inspect the site on Thursday, with the government saying construction began in December last year and the finished preschool will provide places for up to 80 local children each week.

The preschool is being built on the existing school site and will include learning spaces, staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet amenities and landscaped outdoor play areas designed to support play-based learning. The government says the co-location will also make pick-up and drop-off easier for families with older children already attending the school.

Ms Aitchison said the project marked a significant investment in early learning for the area. “After 12 years of neglect under the former Liberal National government, it’s fantastic to see the Minns Labor Government getting on with delivering a brand new public preschool right here in Tenambit.”

“This investment will give local children access to high quality early learning close to home, helping them build the skills and confidence they need before starting school,” she said.

Deputy Premier and Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said the project was part of a broader expansion of public early education across NSW. “The Minns Labor Government, with the tireless advocacy of Jenny Aitchison, is backing the families of Maitland by delivering fee-free, high-quality early learning close to home.”

The Tenambit project forms part of the government’s $769 million plan to deliver 100 new public preschools across the state, including 49 in regional NSW and 51 in metropolitan Sydney. The government says the program is expected to give up to 9000 children access to fee-free, high-quality early education in their local communities and is being supported by further spending on community preschools, non-government school preschools, Aboriginal-led services, not-for-profit early learning centres and workforce scholarships.

Tenambit Public School principal Deanne Brown said the new facility would strengthen the school community and help children transition into formal education. “Tenambit Public School is proud to welcome this facility that will ease the transition to school and support families with convenient and accessible, ‘no cost’ early learning options.”