Free preschool extended to the end of term 4

That comes after the NSW government announced an extension of the COVID-19 relief funding on

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell explained the importance of this decision.

"Research clearly demonstrates children who attend 600 hours of preschool in the year before they start school have better outcomes throughout their lives," Ms Mitchell said.

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"Extending this relief funding will help families keep their children attending this critical year of early education.

"COVID-19 has already caused disruption to all of our lives, so it's more important than ever to ensure families are supported to keep children in quality education and care."

While preschools affiliated with Anglicare weren't eligible to receive the funding as they already recipients of the Jobkeeper payments, they chose to match the NSW government's commitment and honour the 15 hours of free childcare to their families.

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Manager of Anglicare's Early Learning services Rose Young said this was fantastic news for local families.

"At Anglicare, we welcome the additional funding provided by the NSW government during this crisis and hope such measures will continue into the future," Ms Young said.

"This makes a huge difference for families and providers in Goulburn and the wider region, especially families who are vulnerable or have suddenly found themselves vulnerable during the events of this year.

"Feedback from parents is that this is very appreciated and in some cases, very needed."

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Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the government are invested in supporting preschool students and their families.

"We know these are testing times and that's why we continue to offer this vital support to ease cost-of-living pressures and ensure children right across the State have access to the education they need and deserve," Mr Perrottet said.

"This funding will ensure community preschools remain open and will not be forced to close their doors if enrolments fall."

Melanie Wakefield, who runs the Scaliiwags Children's Centre, wasn't concerned with not being included in the extension.

"There's a range of funding opportunities for privately owned services as well," Ms Wakefield said.

"It's one of those things. Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don't.

While the NSW government provides ongoing funding for preschools, this package provides additional funds to cover parent fees and the impact of falling enrolments.

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