4240.0 - Preschool Education, Australia, 2014 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 06/03/2015   
   Page tools: Print Print Page Print all pages in this productPrint All
MEDIA RELEASE
6 March 2015
Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)
34/2015

Kids take up early learning


There were 309,185 children aged 4 or 5 years enrolled in a preschool program in Australia during 2014 according to a report today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

"Eighty-four per cent of these children were enrolled for 15 hours or more per week" said Patrick Corr from the ABS.

"The highest proportions of children enrolled for 15 hours or more per week were in Tasmania (98 per cent) and the Northern Territory (95 per cent)" said Mr Corr.

"Of the total preschool program enrolments by children aged 4 or 5 years, 52 per cent were in preschools and 44 per cent were in long day care centres.

"The number of children attending a preschool program in 2014 was only slightly lower than enrolments, at 297,405."

Data for the report was sourced from preschool program service providers, collected by the Australian, state and territory Governments.

Further information can be found in Preschool Education, Australia, 2014 (cat. no. 4240.0) available for free download from the ABS website (https://www.abs.gov.au).

Media note
· When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.
· A preschool program is a structured, play-based learning program, delivered by a degree qualified teacher, aimed at children in the year or two before they commence full-time schooling.