• Cook Government to begin rolling out optional free, full-time kindergarten from Term 1, 2026
• Trial to commence one year earlier than planned in five pilot schools, with more schools to be added in 2027
• $33.8 million investment in early childhood reform to ensure WA children get the best possible start to life
• Planning for rollout is being coordinated by the new Office of Early Childhood

The Cook Labor Government has today announced its pilot of free full-time kindergarten will be brought forward to start in 2026, delivering on a significant $33.8 million 2025 election commitment.

The new pilot start date is in recognition of the Cook Government's commitment to providing high-quality early learning for children and positive sector feedback, with more schools set to participate in 2027.

Broader rollout will be informed by the trial, with an aim to expand free full-time kindy State-wide through phased implementation.

Kindergarten will remain non-compulsory, and schools will work with families to support children where appropriate to access optional full-time attendance.

The initiative will see pilot schools deliver a high-quality play-based kindergarten program that helps prepare children for school and supports their social and emotional development, while also saving families thousands of dollars in childcare costs.

It forms part of the Cook Government's broader early childhood reform agenda, with the 2025-26 State Budget including $28.9 million for implementation, minor infrastructure, and measures to grow WA's early childhood workforce, additional assistance for teachers, development of additional curriculum resources, and the WA Play Strategy.

Additionally, $4.9 million was committed in the 2024-25 Mid-year Review to establish the Office of Early Childhood to provide a dedicated focus on the most critical years for child development.

Planning for the 2026 kindy rollout is being coordinated by the Office in consultation with the Department of Education, schools and communities.

A State-wide expression of interest process for more public schools and community kindergartens to apply to join the pilot in 2027 will open next week, along with a community feedback form to open later in the year.