Thursday, 20 September 2018
THERE will be more opportunities on offer for preschool aged children across the Northern Tablelands, thanks to a $6 million infrastructure investment which will provide support for almost 400 new preschool places across the state, local State MP Adam Marshall announced today.
The funding is part of the additional $42.1 million investment in the NSW Government’s Capital Works Grants program, which was announced in the 2018-19 Budget to support NSW preschools over the next four years.
Mr Marshall said the grants would allow local preschools to build, extend or renovate facilities to increase preschool places where there is evidence of high need and growing demand.
“There are more children attending preschool for 600 hours in the year before school than ever before, and I’m pleased the government is making sure our services are supported,” Mr Marshall said.
“Preschool fees have been reduced and now it is important that demand for future enrolments in our region are accommodated by investing in renovating or extending our local preschools.
“Looking forward, population data shows the number of preschool-aged children in NSW will increase by six per cent by 2021 and locally, there are many preschools that are at or very close to capacity now.
“The government recently announced a $197.8 million investment to subsidise all three-year-olds in community preschools, so this round of capital works funding is integral in ensuring there is enough space for the anticipated increase in enrolments across our region.
“Children and families living in growth areas require high quality preschool services that suit their needs and I encourage our local preschools to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
Applications for capital works grants are now open and close on 2 November 2018.
For further information and to apply, please visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/capital-works-grants
MEDIA: Adam Marshall 0429 440 054