Bourke Public School is set to receive a new preschool, to be delivered in the next three years. 

In an announcement of 100 preschools that will be delivered by 2027, Bourke was amongst the other towns who will see a preschool added to their local public school. 

According to the NSW Government who are funding the project, co-locating public preschools with existing schools helps transition from preschool to kindergarten, and avoids the double drop off for parents. 

Currently, there is one preschool in Bourke, which children can attend two days per week.

The town was selected based on criteria identifying educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, projected demand, infrastructure feasibility, and consultation. 

“Bourke Public School welcomes today’s announcement as this will help us ensure every child has a great start at school,” Bourke Public School principal Margaret Gordon-Poole said. 

“We will continue to consult and work with our community, the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and local early childhood services to support strong relationships and quality learning and transition experiences for each student who walks through the school gate for kindergarten."

A preschool will be a welcome addition at the Bourke Public School campus

Of the 100 new preschools - a $769 million investment - 49 of those were regionally located, and three of those (Bourke, Broken Hill, Menindee) were based in Western NSW. 

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said that the three new facilities will improve outcomes for children in western NSW.

"It has been shown that early access to education significantly improves a child's educational outcomes and more generally their prospects in life," Mr Butler said.

"I will continue to advocate for more preschools so that no child in Barwon is left behind."

Premier Chris Minns said that the new preschools form part of a commitment to universal access to preschool in NSW. 

An additional $29.4 million will fund the growth of early childhood worker numbers in NSW through a scholarship program.