FUNDING CUTS THREATEN FUTURE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY PRESCHOOLS
Community preschools across the Cootamundra electorate are facing potentially devastating funding cuts under the Minns Labor Government’s new Universal Preschool Funding arrangements for 2027.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has called on the NSW Government to urgently reconsider the funding changes, warning they could undermine the viability of longstanding, not-for-profit preschools.
Local preschools, including Ariah Park, Bland Shire, Coolamon, Gundagai, Narrandera and Young, have reported projected funding reductions ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“These are community-run, not-for-profit preschools that have served generations of local families,” Ms Cooke said.
“But under this new funding arrangement, they are facing funding reductions that could have devastating consequences for their future.”
“One local preschool director has warned that these changes could cause the widespread financial ruin of community-based preschools across New South Wales, which is extraordinary given these services have worked tirelessly to deliver quality early childhood education.”
Ms Cooke said the funding changes came at a particularly difficult time, with many preschools having already finalised enrolments and staffing arrangements for 2027.
Preschools are being left to make incredibly difficult decisions about staffing, fees and the number of places they can offer, without certainty about their funding.
Ms Cooke said the community preschool model was particularly important in regional communities, where access to quality early childhood education and the retention of experienced educators were already significant challenges.
“These services are not-for-profit organisations that reinvest their resources directly into children, their educators and their educational programs, and are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” Ms Cooke said.
“Families value this model and deserve to have that choice protected.”
Ms Cooke has written to the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, and made representations on behalf of both preschools and community members. She will also table Questions on Notice to the Minister and raise the matter on the floor of Parliament.
She has also requested advice on whether a child safety impact assessment has been undertaken to examine the potential consequences for staffing retention.
“At a time when we are rightly focused on strengthening child safety in early childhood education, the Government should be supporting childcare models proven to deliver safe, high-quality learning environments,” Ms Cooke said.
“I have spoken with local preschool directors and will be meeting with more of our community preschools to hear directly about the impact of these changes.”
“The Government needs to listen to the sector and reconsider its funding methodology because our community preschools are something we should be protecting and supporting, not putting at risk.”
