Our Preschool
Why choose our public preschool?
Our public preschool is a fee-free preschool at Waratah Public School. It’s an easy choice for local families with young children.
We give every child the best start in early childhood education. At our preschool, children explore, ask questions and grow in a safe and caring place. Our friendly team helps each child learn and feel good through fun, hands-on play that builds confidence and curiosity.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our preschool. Contact us to talk to our team, book a tour or join our waitlist.
Preschool days and hours
Our preschool is open for 6 hours a day, on the same days as all NSW public schools.
Children attend for 5 days per fortnight and are grouped into either the Possums or the Kangaroos. The attendance pattern is set out below.
POSSUMS
Week 1—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Week 2—Monday, Tuesday
KANGAROOS
Week 1—Thursday, Friday
Week 2—Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Please see the calendar provided in your enrolment pack for specific dates.
Fees
We do not charge fees to attend our preschool. NSW public preschools are funded by the NSW government.
Attendance
Public preschools enrol children for one year only, the year before they start school.
Children can enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn 4 years of age before 31 July that year.
Meals
Children bring their own meals and snacks to preschool. For more information, please contact us.
How to enrol
Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for public preschools. Enrolment is on application only. Please contact the preschool for enrolment information.
Enrolling in a preschool within a school does not guarantee a place at that school for Kindergarten.
THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK
Our Preschool follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to plan for student learning. This framework is based on the following vision:
All children engage in learning that promotes confident and creative individuals and successful lifelong learners. All children are active and informed members of their communities with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
BELONGING
Feeling like you belong — knowing where you fit and who you belong with — is very important for people. Kids belong to different families, neighbourhoods, and communities, both nearby and around the world. Belonging means understanding that we need each other and that our relationships help shape who we are. From when we are little and all through life, having trust and positive experiences with others helps us feel like we belong. Belonging is a big part of who we are and who we can become.
BEING
Childhood is a time to simply be yourself and to explore and understand the world around you. Being means appreciating both the present moment and your past experiences. It’s about kids learning who they are, forming friendships, enjoying life’s happy and difficult moments, and dealing with everyday challenges. Early childhood isn’t just about getting ready for the future—it’s also about living and experiencing life right now.
BECOMING
Children’s identities, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and relationships all change as they grow. These changes happen because of different experiences and situations. Becoming describes this fast and important growth that happens in the early years as kids learn and develop. It also highlights the teamwork between teachers, families, and children to help children build strong connections and abilities, so they can take part actively in their communities.
Book a tour or join our waitlist
Come and see our preschool in action. Talk to our team and secure your child’s place.