WA Launches Landmark Full-Time Kindergarten Trial
Five public schools in Western Australia have commenced a trial of free, full-time kindergarten as students returned from summer holidays. In WA, kindergarten is currently defined as optional part-time schooling, focusing on play-based education for children aged three to five, designed to prepare them for pre-primary – the first year of full-time schooling.
This $33.8 million initiative allows children to attend kindergarten full-time, five days a week, though participation remains non-compulsory. Previously, public kindergarten in WA was offered five days a fortnight. If successful, this program would mark the first instance of free, full-time kindergarten in Australia.
Trial Structure and Participating Schools
The trial aims for ten pilot locations in total, with half in metropolitan areas and half in regional areas. The initial five participating schools were chosen based on existing infrastructure and receive funding at a full-time equivalent rate for each kindergarten student. This additional funding supports the employment of extra teachers and education assistants needed for the full-time program. The Office of Early Childhood is responsible for evaluating the trial and gathering feedback from parents, teachers, and the community.
The initial participating schools include:
- Perth's Roleystone Community College
- Halidon Primary School
- Banksia Grove Primary School
- Dalyellup Primary School in Bunbury
- South Kalgoorlie Primary School
Future Expansion and Government Perspectives
An additional five schools are scheduled to join the trial next year. The state government has not yet provided details on a state-wide rollout, citing considerations related to infrastructure and workforce capability.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook stated that full-time kindergarten would provide more children with access to high-quality education and offer increased flexibility for parents and carers.
A single mother of four-year-old twin boys indicated that full-time kindergarten would result in significant savings on daycare costs.
Opposition and Workforce Considerations
Parenting author and former teacher Maggie Dent has expressed opposition to the initiative. In February 2025, she stated that the policy was a vote-winning measure that did not align with children's best interests.
Dent argued that children benefit more from less formalized learning environments, a view she stated is supported by academics and early childhood associations who advocate for preserving movement, music, play freedom, and fun.
She also raised concerns about the sufficiency of teachers to facilitate full-time kindergarten. In response, the WA government reported a 3.3 percent increase in registered teachers in 2025 compared to the previous year, accounting for approximately 2,000 additional teachers.