Stand up for our preschool

From 2027, the NSW Government is changing how community preschools are funded. These changes will result in SDN losing more than $1million in funding, putting at risk the inclusion and access of children to quality preschool education.

We need your help to stand up for our preschools.

Learn how you can help

What is changing?

The NSW Government has changed the way community preschools will be funded from 2027. The aim is to give more children across NSW access to preschool. In principle, we agree with this aim.

However, not every preschool or community is the same, and not every child and family has the same needs. At SDN, we are deeply concerned that the new funding model has been introduced too quickly and without consultation.

The changes put the future sustainability of our preschools at risk. It reduces access for children in our communities to quality preschool now and in the future.

These changes by the NSW Government are having the opposite effect to what is intended.

What impact will this have?

In 2027, the new funding arrangements means community preschools will be able to accommodate fewer children.

The funding changes seem to have most significantly impacted on preschools with children with disabilities. This is a risk to inclusion.

For SDN specifically, this will put the future of our 3 preschools at risk.

SDN Batemans Bay Preschool

There is a great impact on SDN Batemans Bay Preschool, which has served the Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla communities for more than 50 years. With the tools and information we have, we have estimated the funding gap for SDN Batemans Bay Preschool will be $445,000.

"I love going to preschool and playing in the mud kitchen with my friends. It's fun!"
Emma, 4 years old

SDN Batemans Bay Preschool

"I love going to preschool and playing in the mud kitchen with my friends. It's fun!"
Emma, 4 years old

SDN Crookwell Preschool

There is a great impact on SDN Crookwell Preschool, which has served the Crookwell and surrounding region for almost 25 years. With the tools and information we have, we have estimated the funding gap for SDN Crookwell Preschool will be $222,000.

"At preschool, it feels like I'm at home."
Olivia, 5 years old

"I like going on the slide and on the monkey bars, and going on the fort!"
Evie, 4 years old

SDN Crookwell Preschool

"At preschool, it feels like I'm at home."
Olivia, 5 years old

"I like going on the slide and on the monkey bars, and going on the fort!"
Evie, 4 years old

SDN Beranga Autism Specific Preschool

There is a great impact on SDN Beranga Autism Specific Preschool, which has served the Rooty Hill and surrounding communities for more than 13 years. With the tools and information we have, we have estimated the funding gap for SDN Beranga will be $338,000.

This purpose built preschool in Rooty Hill serves a high need for families, providing intensive and targeted support for children with autism. The program supports children's development, learning and successful transition to school through individualised, strengths-based approaches.

SDN Beranga Autism Specific Preschool

What we want from the NSW government

To reinstate the current funding arrangements for another 12 months.
To work with us and the sector to develop a sustainable, long-term funding model for community preschool.

We need your help to protect our community preschools.

How you can help

1. Contact your local Member of Parliament

Contact the local representative for our preschools (contact details shared below) and ask them to stand up and support funding community preschools.

2. Contact the NSW State Government

Go beyond your local MP and reach out to the Hon Prue Car MP, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning.

3. Spread the word with the community

Share this campaign message with your family, friends and community - in person, in private or use any of the links below to post on your social media pages. Either way, make some noise!

What to include in your message

1. Introduce yourself

Start by saying who you are and why you’re concerned about the problem. Remember to mention that changes to NSW community preschool funding puts the future sustainability of a preschool our community relies on at risk.

2. Make it personal

Tell your local politicians: why you chose this preschool, what it means to your child and family, what having a local preschool means to your community, and why you want it to be there for future families

3. Make a clear ask

Ask your local member to please stand up for our preschool. Ask the NSW Government to maintain the current funding arrangements for another year, giving government and the sector time to develop a sustainable long-term funding model for community preschool.