The littlest learners at Coolamon Pre School are set to benefit from just under $15,000 in funding to improve facilities and support programs for their early childhood education and care services thanks to a funding boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the funding to improve quality learning environments that make a positive impact for preschool-aged children.
“This is fantastic news for Coolamon Pre School, I know how important these services are to our community and so the funding will make a tangible difference for our young learners.” Ms Cooke said.
“Playtime is an important part of a child’s development, by releasing energy and learning the skills to interact with other children.”
Coolamon Pre School Association Inc Director Ms Corie Flanigan said this funding is to purchase a range of outdoor equipment for the children to enjoy as part of their engagement in the Fundamental Movement Skills program sessions that were delivered by the students of Coolamon Central School during term four of 2022.
“The equipment will continue to develop, strengthen and extend the children’s physical development through fun and engaging experiences and to extend environments where children are creating,” Ms Flanigan said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said Coolamon Pre School were amongst the nearly 300 services to benefit from the first round of the $21 million Quality and Participation Grants Program.
“These grants had an overwhelming response from the sector, which is fantastic because it means more children, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, will benefit,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in our littlest learners, because we know the early years are incredibly important. These grants will help our amazing early childhood educators provide high-quality learning environments for children across the state.”
The funding can be used by services for a range of activities such as providing transport services to improve access, bringing in specialised staff for Aboriginal children and children from low-income families and minor capital works, such as renovations and new play areas.
The NSW Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood commitments announced as part of the 2022-23 budget to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW. Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family
