MEDIA RELEASE
7 March 2014	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	29/2014

There were 288,052 children aged 4 or 5 years old enrolled in a preschool program in 2013 according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ABS Director of the National Centre for Education and Training, Mr Patrick Corr, said that of the children in a preschool program, 55 per cent were enrolled with a preschool service provider and 42 per cent were enrolled in a preschool program provided by a long day care centre.

"Of the 158,523 children enrolled at a preschool service provider, 39 per cent were enrolled in Government preschools and 60 per cent in Non-government preschools.

"Nationally, there were 1,857 (43 per cent) Government preschools and 2,426 (57 per cent) Non-government preschools.

"We found that in all states and territories, most of the children enrolled in a preschool program were enrolled for 15 hours or more a week. Enrolment for this time range was the highest in Western Australia and Tasmania (both 97 per cent), and Queensland (95 per cent).

"There were 12,970 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in a preschool program in Australia in 2013. Of these children, 72 per cent were enrolled with a preschool service provider while 26 per cent were enrolled in a preschool program provided by a long day care centre," said Mr Corr.

The 2013 Preschools Australia publication consists of more comprehensive data than ever before, including national totals for service providers, child and worker statistics from 8,654 service providers across Australia.

Statistics for each of the states and territories in relation to preschool enrolments and attendance for children are discussed, as well as hourly fees charged across Government and Non-government providers. Information is also presented on long day care centres delivering a preschool program.

Further information can be found in Preschool Education, Australia, 2013 (cat. no. 4240.0) available for free download from the ABS website (www.abs.gov.au).

Media note

• When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.
• Statistics on preschool service providers have been included in the report where they were providing 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.