Work is now underway on 12 new public pre-schools throughout the Hunter, including a much-need one at Weston.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr marked the start of construction on the Sixth Street facility this week, via a sod-turning ceremony.
It joins other co-located sites at Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Tenambit and Teralba.
And, once complete, they’ll provide places for up to 1,000 children across the region per week.
“Families and staff at Weston Public School are incredibly excited about our new pre-school and its addition to our learning community,” principal Anna Swanson said.
“It shows our dedication to enhancing equity through excellence from our littlest learners through our primary school and into our older high school learners.
“We know that most of a child’s brain development happens by age five.
“So, this facility will provide high-quality early learning that supports this crucial stage and positions every student well for future success.”
In addition to state-of-the-art areas, each new pre-school includes staff facilities, a kitchen, toilets and landscaped outdoor play areas.
“It’s fantastic that Weston Public School and five other school communities in the Cessnock area will give local children access to fee-free early learning,” Mr Barr said.
“The Minns government’s investment to double public pre-schools across the state means more families in Cessnock can benefit from safe, supportive and play-based environments led by qualified teachers.”
Across the Hunter, major projects include the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, a new high school for Medowie and primary and high schools in Huntlee – together delivering more than 100 new classrooms for students.
Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie High and Muswellbrook High are among 33 High Potential and Gifted Education Partner Schools benefiting from a $100 million NSW Government investment.
Both schools will welcome upgraded amenities, including a marine studies laboratory at Lake Macquarie High and enhanced creative and performing arts facilities at Muswellbrook High.
These investments into school infrastructure are being matched with stronger education outcomes.
“Hunter families have been crying out for more early learning places… and that’s what we’re delivering with 12 new public pre-schools,” Ms Catley said.
“For parents in communities like Weston, this means their kids can learn, grow and get ready for school close to home, in facilities built for the future.
“And, for families with big sisters and brothers, it’s making life easier for parents with drop-offs and pick-ups all in one place.”
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