East Maitland Preschool

10/09/2026

The NSW Government has released limited information on funding for NSW Community Preschools in 2027.

They are in the process of designing a new funding model and new inclusion support guidelines.

That means we actually have no idea what our funding will be next year and cannot set our fees until the funding guidelines are released, and we can model what impacts that will have on our budgets.

Information from NSW Early Childhood Education is limited but they have stated:

"From 2027, the NSW Government will reform funding arrangements for not-for-profit preschools to cover most operational costs, allowing families to access fee-free or low-cost preschool for 3 and 4-year-old children.

Services that choose to charge fees to offer additional resources will have out-of-pocket costs for families capped at their current rate, or a maximum of $20 per day for all other providers."

We are yet to find out what 'additional resources' are, but will continue to prioritise the provision of high-quality preschool with an emphasis on ratios that enable us to best meet the needs of all children.

30/06/2026

More than a celebration of children's artwork, Colouring Outside the Lines invites the community to stop, notice and listen. It reminds us that children are not future citizens waiting to contribute. They are citizens now; questioning, creating and helping us see the world differently ❤️

An exhibition at Maitland Regional Art Gallery challenged@conventional ideas about children@s art.Created by children from East Maitland Preschool, Colouring Outside the Lines showcased@the creativity, thinking and voices of children while inviting the community to see them not just as artists, but....

14/06/2026

Our Children's Art Exhibition had it's official launch today ❤️

We have made a booklet with details of each art work. There are printed copies at the gallery but it's been very popular and they have run out. If you are visiting and there are no booklets you can visit this link for an electronic copy 😊

10/06/2026

Children are incredible artists, thinkers and valuable community citizens. Our artists were keen to share their works at the gallery and we would love to see lots of visitors come to see their works and hear their voices.
Empowering children to express their creativity, their thoughts and ideas opens up a million possibilities.
Every child deserves a million possibilities 🥰

06/06/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZKFActRgf6/

06/06/2026

Colouring Outside the Lines
Please join us in celebrating the work of the children of East Maitland Preschool - Brunswick Street and George St at Maitland Regional Art Gallery from the 11th to the 28th of June.

https://mrag.org.au/exhibition/colouring-outside-the-lines/

27/05/2026

The theme for Reconciliation Week this year is 'All in'. A call for us all to commit to reconciliation, to all do our part in making change and celebrating the incredibly rich culture and connections of our First Nations people.

The artwork this year is 'Gaagal' by Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey. Gaagal translates to ocean and links to both the healing power of water as well as the ripple effects an action has on water. The concentric circles echo the action of people moving together for change, their voices and actions rippling outwards, inviting others on the reconciliation journey.

Actions towards reconciliation don't just happen this week, they happen every week. We always strive to be respectful, reflective and proactive in our work on Wanarruwa Country. Some of the work we are doing to honour country this week includes reflecting on the theme of water and art to explore connections to water in our area using Gaagal as inspiration, using materials respectfully from country, and reviewing the language and words we use in our acknowledgment of country. We are also working our Reconciliation Action Plan and will ask for your input on our vision for our RAP soon.

Respectfully engaging with culture supports all children to see themselves as part of a caring, respectful community. And supports our Aboriginal children to grow up strong and proud ❤️🖤💛

07/05/2026

Yesterday we travelled to Sydney to the Start Strong, Pay Fair rally to advocate for funding for fair wages for NSW Community Preschools. It continues to astound us that Teachers and Educators, who are paid up to 30% less than their school based colleagues, are still having to plead for increases. Even after the Fair Work Commission agreed with us and recommended the NSW Government increase funding!!!
Thank you to the amazing educators who travelled and took part in the rally and the ones who stayed at preschool to support the cause. And to the families who also supported our day of action 🩷🩷🩷