Pre-prep for West Wimmera in 2027

Published on 31 January 2023

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West Wimmera Shire Council will offer 30 hours of free four-year-old kindergarten for children, starting in 2027.

The State Government is rolling out its Pre-Prep program across the state, starting in 2025.

Pre-Prep programs will be delivered through West Wimmera Shire kindergartens, creating a high-quality, universal program that gives four-year-old children greater opportunities to socialise, learn through play and best prepare them for their formal educational journey.

Pre-Prep will start in 2025 in Ararat Rural City, Gannawarra Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Yarriambiack Shire – before other LGAs progressively join the roll-out in following years.

West Wimmera Shire will join the roll-out in 2027.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the Pre-Prep program would give West Wimmera children more opportunities to learn and socialise, while reducing pressure on the shire’s childcare services.

“We currently offer 15 hours of both three- and four-year-old kindergarten, which is free to all families,” he said.

“Adding Pre-Prep to our four-year-old kindergarten program will further help with child development and getting kids ready for school.”

The State Government has announced it would also upgrade or provide new equipment to every kindergarten in the state, as part of the Pre-Prep program.  

 

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