One local preschool could lose up to $300,000 under the NSW Government’s new preschool funding model, the region’s state MP has warned, with fears the change will hit staff, facilities, and families.
The government has announced changes to the Universal Preschool Funding Program, which will take effect next year.
“I’m deeply concerned that Labor’s new funding model will force preschools to cut services, compromising their ability to provide the quality early childhood education and care that children need and deserve,” said Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.
Anderson said he had heard from a local preschool facing a major shortfall.
“I’ve been told that one local preschool alone could lose up to $300,000 in funding, which would result in a crippling reduction in the capacity for that preschool to maintain staff, undertake essential capital works and maintain facilities to the standard required to keep children safe,” he said.
“It would be unacceptable for local kids to be left at a disadvantage by Labor’s cuts, with local preschools furious about the plans to cut their funding in 2027.”
Anderson said the timing of the changes had left educators worried.
“Early childhood educators work incredibly hard to provide a high-quality nurturing environment,” he said.
“They need surety and confidence about their funding.”
“Instead, they’re anxious about what the future looks like because Labor dumped a hurtful new reduced funding model on them at short notice.”
He has called on the government to rethink the model before it starts.
“I’m demanding that the Minns Labor Government urgently review the cuts, come back to the table, negotiate with preschools and provide the certainty local families need,” Anderson said.
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