The NSW Government is making preschool more affordable for more families, with preschool fee relief locked in for the next four years through a more than $1.4 billion investment in a new Affordable Preschool Program.
NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said this investment would support Orange families’ access high quality preschool programs, easing the cost of living and ensuring that more children would receive a high quality education no matter their circumstances.
“The NSW Government prioritises families in every decision it makes. This funding delivers for our young families by providing continued – and expanded – affordable preschool for the next four years,” Mr Farraway said.
“I know that this investment will ensure that Families across Orange, Forbes, Parkes and Cabonne benefit greatly. This, in addition to the $5.8 billion announced this week for universal pre-Kindergarten education, will take the pressure right off families and create the next generation of learners!
Director of Forbes Learning Ladder Aidan Clarke also said that local parents would be relieved to hear this announcement.
“As a parent, I am really excited by this announcement! Not only is this benefiting the youngest of learners, it also enables Mums and Dads around the Orange electorate to get back into the workforce.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that one of the biggest impacts we can have on educational outcomes at school is to improve early childhood education.
“A significant body of research shows that children who participate in quality preschool programs have improved lifelong educational, social and economic outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said.
“That’s why I’m delighted to be continuing our support for community and mobile preschools. Families using these services are not eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, so NSW’s commitment to long-term funding relief is significant and genuinely needed.
“We are also extending support to NSW families whose children attend preschool in a long day care setting, because at the end of the day what’s important is our littlest learners having access to great quality preschool programs.”
The current Start Strong Free Pre-school Program is already providing $150 million in fee relief for children enrolled in community and mobile preschools across NSW in 2022.