Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Director Katrina Maas, left, student Harry Carter and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall celebrating an almost $40,000 funding windfall for three Moree preschools.
Monday, 18 January 2021.
CHILDREN at three preschool and day care centres in Moree will enjoy new play equipment and shade this year, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing the facilities would share in $39,414 through the State Government’s Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program.
Mr Marshall said Gwydir Day Care and Preschool had already put its $15,000 to use, replacing its soft fall area.
“Every year these grants help educators provide high quality learning environments which encourage our children to grow and learn,” Mr Marshall said.
“At Gwydir Day Care and Preschool new soft-fall has been put down, replacing the old surface which was starting to harden due to prolonged dry weather and extensive heat.
“Goodstart Early Learning Moree will put $10,519 towards purchasing new resources targeted at encouraging movement and relaxation amongst its children.
“Finally, there will be plenty of excitement at Kiah Pre-School with $13,985 going towards some brand new outdoor play equipment.
“It’s fantastic to see these centres continually working to improve their facilities so that local kids can have the best, and most positive, start to their education journey.”
Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Director Katrina Maas said the QLE funding had assisted in providing a safe and happy learning environment for Moree’s children.
“Gwydir Day Care looks after children from over 70 families each week, with all of them using the playground’s soft fall during outside playtime,” Ms Maas said.
“Due to the drought, the soft fall has become quite firm which has increased the chance of children grazing their knees and elbows while playing – this has been of concern for both staff and parents.
“With safety our highest priority, upgrading the soft fall was important to ensure children can play outdoors without risk of injury.
“The children really enjoy playing on the new soft fall flooring, which has also provided them with a space to engage with when the grass and other equipment is wet.”
The NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments (QLE) grants early childhood education facilities with funding of up to $15,000 to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments. They can also be used to provide specialised educational programs for children to address identified educational needs.