Families in Ku-ring-gai will have more opportunities to find preschool places following an investment of $150,000 to upgrade early childhood education services as part of the NSW Government $8 million Capital Works program.

Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, announced Northside Montessori School received funding to give children quality early education in improved facilities.

“It’s great to hear that local families in Ku-ring-gai will benefit from upgrades to our local services, making it a better learning experience and preparation for school,” Mr Henskens said.

“Research demonstrates that children benefit socially, emotionally and cognitively from access to quality early childhood education so this program will have a real benefit for families with young children in Ku-ring-gai.

“The investment will extend existing pre-school buildings with the aim to deliver more pre-school places for local families.”

The Capital Works Grants program provides funding for not-for-profit, community-based preschools to increase the number of places for children at 15 hours per week, especially in areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of places.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said we know the success of a child’s education on their last day of school is determined by their very first day of school.

“The increased preschool places created through these grants are part of an additional 490 places spread across urban and regional areas of NSW,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“The NSW government is fully committed to supporting providers to deliver quality care that working parents and carers can rely on.