Multiple ECEC centres in Sutherland Shire receive project funding

Nineteen preschools and not-for-profit (NFP) long day care centres in the Sutherland shire of New South Wales have recently received funding for new projects, local news source The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader has reported. 

Projects funded through the most recent allocation of the Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program in the Shire include outdoor climbing equipment and synthetic grass, a bathroom, renovation to shade sails, a sandpit, and a native bee hive.

The NSW Government has previously noted the intention of the QLE program as aiming to support eligible early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to improve their learning environments and, in turn, to positively impact experiences and outcomes for preschool aged children.

NFP community preschools (centre-based and mobile) and NFP long day cares can apply for funding of up to $10,000 as part of the initiative, with subsequent funding being able to be used to purchase resources, conduct renovations, or otherwise make provision to improve the physical or educational learning environments for children. 

Applications for the funding must include information which demonstrates a link between the funding allocation and the services Quality Improvement Plan. More information about the eligibility criteria is available in this article. 

Commencing in 2018, NSW services are currently in receipt of their third round of grants. Some of the recipients recently announced by local MPs Mark Speakman (Cronulla), Eleni Petinos (Miranda) and Lee Evans (Heathcote) were also successful in one of the previous two rounds, announced in June, 2018 and January, 2019.

Cronulla electorate

• Grays Point Pre-School Kindergarten: $9,916 for native bee hive.
• Jacaranda Preschool Centre: $10,000 for music program and edible garden.
• Kurnell Pre-School Kindergarten: $10,000 for synthetic grass.
• Uniting Early Learning Caringbah: $9,575 for sandpit.
• Uniting Preschool Caringbah: $8,100 for replacement of soft fall surface.

Miranda electorate

• Miranda Kindergarten: $8,930 for outdoor timber climbing and balancing equipment.
• Gymea Community Preschool: $8,945 hand pump and extension of creek in garden.
• Sydney Montessori School: $4,293 for verandah and climbing equipment.
• Como Preschool: $9,490 for renovation of children’s bathroom.
• Mikarie Place Child Care Centre: $7,840 for shade sails.
• Mayflower Preschool Kindergarten: $4,160 for lighting, art and community excursions.
• The Point Preschool: $5,526 for blinds and art program.
• Jannali Pre-School Kindergarten: $9,880 for pergola and water pump.

Heathcote electorate

• Sutherland Presbyterian Church Pre-School: $8,605 for deck extension with shade blinds.
• Bundeena Maianbar Pre-School: $8,617 for bush tucker garden.
• Engadine Pre-School: $10,000 for classroom furniture.
• Inaburra Preschool: $8,600 for art incursion.
• Goodstart Early Learning Menai: $8,363 for garden upgrade, yoga and circus program, and climbing equipment.
• Helensburgh Community Preschool: $9,331 for outdoor equipment.

More information about the QLE grants offering is available here.