Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced Bland Preschool will benefit from the early payment of a $13,292.73 grant under the NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program.
“Our littlest learners deserve the best start in life and this program supports services like Bland Preschool to purchase new resources and conduct activities which will greatly enhance the children’s learning space,” Ms Cooke said.
The grant for Bland Preschool will be used to create a music space, purchase a natural play kitchen set and chairs, and for child participation in art classes and yoga sessions.
Director of Corporate and Community Services at Bland Shire Council, Ms Alison Balind said children at the preschool will benefit from these creative installations and activities, engaging children to use their imaginations in participatory play.
Ms Balind said some of the funds would also be utilised to complete the installation of commemorative pavers which were created as part of a fundraising project undertaken by the pre-school last year.
“The whole project is designed to enhance and expand on the outstanding learning program offered by Bland Shire Children’s Services Unit,” Ms Balind said.
The Quality Learning Environments program provides grants of up to $15,000 to eligible early childhood services, with early payment made available to those services that have indicated an urgent need for funding.
Further grant applications not requiring early payment will be progressed in December 2020.
For more information on the 2020 Quality Learning Environments program, visit the Department of Education website.
Steph Cooke MP with Carlie Carr – Children Services Unit Coordinator, Carlie Iverach – Senior Early Childhood Teacher and children of Bland Preschool.
