Currently the average
preschool fee in NSW is $38.50 in metropolitan areas and $27.70 per day in
rural areas, but children from Poet’s Corner Preschool pay less than the
standard amount.
“When we look at the fees,
most parents pay $8 to $12, so we largely rely on fundraising and donations,”
the Coordinator of Poet’s Corner Preschool Raeleen O’Halloran said. “Most
children couldn’t access other preschools, because they cannot afford it.”
Poet’s Corner Preschool is
committed to nurturing creativity, and social skills for children aged between
three and five years. It provides a higher proportion of staff than many
preschools (one staff member for every eight), which allows the team to
maintain high standard service. The qualified, experienced and dedicated staff
create a warm, caring and friendly environment for children.
Poet’s Corner Preschool is
licensed for 25 children per day. Ms O’Halloran said: “Our priority is to get
as many children through preschool as we can, but given the limited space, and
some children with high needs, it means there are a number of children on the
waiting list.”
Liberal Duty MLC for
Heffron, Don Harwin, presented the cheque to the preschool on a surprise and
welcomed visit last month.
Ms O’Halloran was
delighted to receive the funding and believes it can make a difference. “We can
actually purchase equipment with the $5,000, like upgrading computer programs, books
and other literacy resources; otherwise, we couldn’t afford it.
“We always look at our
wish list, and we really want to purchase some musical instruments to prepare
our music program, [because] the language we build comes from music.”
This grant to Poet’s
Corner and other preschools is one part of the financial support provided by
the NSW government to preschools across the State, support of which is due to increase
over the course of this financial year.
Mr Harwin said the
Minister for Education and Training also announced a review for early childhood
education and care, which is currently underway. “The review is being led
by Professor Deborah Brennan of the University of NSW… Her recommendations will
support all children in NSW having universal access to a quality early childhood
education in the year before compulsory schooling.”
The Preschool is managed
by the Factory Community Centre. Michael Shreenan, Executive Officer, lobbied for
support for a long time, and was grateful for the $5,000 grant. “You can never
have enough resources when it comes to investing in the education of children,”
he said.
Source: November 2011
South Sydney Herald http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/