In a full-circle moment, NSW Department of Education Early Child Outcomes Deputy Secretary, Mark Barraket, visited the new Blackett Public Preschool earlier this month - at the same school where he began his own educational journey in the 1970s.

Mr Barraket returned to Blackett Public School in Mount Druitt, where he attended kindergarten, to see first-hand how the new public preschool is already transforming early learning for local families.

Blackett Public Preschool is the second service to open as part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 new public preschools across the state by the start of 2027.

Constructed in just seven months, it is fee-free, features two purpose-built learning rooms, a quality outdoor play area and modern facilities, and can accommodate up to 80 children each week.

Mr Barraket said the Blackett community was among those identified as having a clear shortage of preschool places.

“When we started looking at supply right across the state, we identified locations where there was a shortage of preschool places, which meant young children could not attend a preschool program,” he said.

“The evidence is very clear that children who do attend preschool have better developmental outcomes, and it stands them in good stead as they transition into Kindergarten and go on that lifelong learning journey.”

Principal Michael Frith said the new facility had drawn strong interest from well beyond the immediate Blackett community, and the difference to families had been immediate.

“We were saying how settled the children are here, even after a few weeks,” he said.

“Previously, we may have had one student in kindergarten who attended preschool.

“But having the new preschool gives us the opportunity to really get to know students before they enter kindergarten. We can have everything set up for them from day one, because we know them, we’re working with them, we’re meeting their needs.”

Mr Frith said he expected the smoother transition to school to have lasting benefits.

“As we transition these children into kindergarten next year, they’re going to be set up for their school right through to Year 12,” he said.

For Mr Barraket, that vision extends beyond school readiness.

“It’s about setting children on a lifelong learning journey that will make sure wherever they go through their schooling career and beyond, they’re successful and able to contribute to society,” he said.

With dozens of new public preschools soon to open, Mr Barraket said the momentum was building.

“I’m looking forward to all 98 remaining public preschools being opened, and the rooms filled with young children who are going to benefit from quality public early learning,” he said.

“I want to commend the staff here at Blackett for what they’re already achieving, and for advocating for the power of publicly provided early learning.”