The NSW Government’s elimination of long day care preschool program funding will drive up costs and reduce the quality of early learning for nearly two thirds of eligible children, Uniting NSW.ACT has warned.
Uniting – together with some of NSW’s largest quality not-for-profit (NFP) preschool providers – strongly urges the NSW Government to abandon the $150 million cut that will hit families with children beginning preschool in 2027.
Representatives from the NFP providers, including Uniting, met with the NSW Deputy Premier this week to make the case for children and families.
“Nearly two thirds of families with children of preschool age rely on long day care centres (LDCs) to provide the preschool education that research shows sets children up to thrive at school,” said Dr Andrew Montague, Uniting’s Director of Communities.
“If the government goes ahead with these cuts, it will jeopardise the high-quality preschool education that families across NSW know and trust.
“The government is removing funding that underpins the learning resources and teacher support identified as essential for children’s safety and wellbeing by the recent NSW upper house inquiry into early childhood education and care.
“The LDC-based preschool programs offered by Uniting and other NFP providers play a particularly vital role in delivering safe, quality care for children experiencing disadvantage, and for First Nations children.
“These services are critical if the NSW Government really wants to deliver on its oft-repeated commitment to enable every child in NSW to have access to early learning.
“We need a system that is well-funded, properly staffed and designed to include every child, especially those who stand to benefit most but are most likely to miss out.”
“It’s hard to believe the Minns Government is putting the brakes on momentum towards universal access at this time.”
About us:
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through community services, spiritual care social impact and advocacy. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Annabel McGilvray
Media and Public Affairs Manager
0403 411 385
amcgilvray@uniting
