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MORE CHILDREN CLOCKING UP  600 PRESCHOOL HOURS IN COOTAMUNDRA

Writer: Steph Cooke MP
Steph Cooke MP
Feb 8, 2018
2 min read

February 8, 2018


Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed news that the number of children in NSW undertaking 600 hours of preschool each year has increased by 40 per cent in the last year because of the NSW Government’s Start Strong program.


Ms Cooke said it was wonderful news that more children in NSW are participating in early childhood education including preschools right across Cootamundra electorate.


“These results prove the NSW Government’s Start Strong program is working – it is reducing fees, improving quality and strengthening the early childhood workforce for families in Cootamundra electorate,” she said.


“Not only is this great news for children in Cootamundra electorate, families are also benefiting hugely from the Start Strong reforms. Ongoing fee reductions are significantly reducing financial burdens on hardworking families and I am proud the NSW Government is focusing on this,” she said.


The 2017 Preschool Census is the first since the implementation of the Start Strong reforms, with 737 community preschools across the state partaking.


Following the significant changes to the preschool funding policy under Start Strong, Minister for Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said last year’s census was the first real test of whether these policy changes had achieved their objectives.


“Of all children aged four and above in the Preschool Census, 91 per cent are now enrolled for more than 600 hours of early childhood education. This is a significant increase from 66 per cent in 2016-17,” she said.

 

“Not only has Start Strong significantly reduced daily fees by an average of 25 per cent, we now have more children participating in early childhood than ever before, and I am proud this Government is delivering for the children and families of this state.”


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