NSW Start Strong Preschool – Get a Head Start on Your Child’s Future At Aurrum Kids

Preschool NSW Start Strong Program

As an Approved Kindergarten Start Strong for Long Day Care service, Aurrum Kids proudly provides quality funded preschool in NSW.

This government-funded program is making preschool for 3-5 year olds accessible and affordable for families, ensuring they benefit from engaging and meaningful early learning experiences in a warm, caring, and nurturing environment where children can play, grow, and thrive.

The NSW Government’s Start Strong for Long Day Care program offers eligible families up to 600 hours of early childhood education and child care in NSW, per child per year. This is approximately 15 hours per week, delivered in an enriching, play-based environment.

2025 Start Stong for Long Day Care covers:

Families with children who are at least 4 years old on or before 31 July 2025 and are enrolled at an eligible long day care service may save up to $2,174 in 2025.
Families with children who are at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2025 and are enrolled at an eligible long day care service may save up to $515 in 2025.

The program supports the cost of providing preschool programs in long day care services, family day care, preschools, and outside school hours care services.

Designed to help children develop essential skills and confidence before starting school, our Aurrum Kids preschool programs receive funding directly from the government. Families won’t need to pay upfront fees or claim back savings—the funding is applied seamlessly to reduce costs, making quality early education more accessible.

Contact us at Aurrum Kids today to learn more about how the Start Strong preschool NSW program can provide your child with an exceptional start to their educational journey.

Benefits

Preschool programs delivered under the Start Strong preschool NSW program provides children with the essential skills and support they need for a strong start in school and beyond. Led by qualified early childhood teachers, the program lays the foundation for lifelong learning through engaging, play-based experiences. With the support of government funding, the Start Strong preschool NSW program ensures children have access to quality early education, helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically while preparing for future success.

School Readiness NSW

At Aurrum Kids child care in NSW, we are committed to ensuring children benefit from school preparation through preschool, learning the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need for a smooth transition. Our school readiness NSW programs offer a holistic approach to education, focusing on key areas such as:

recognising letters, sounds, and basic words, fostering an early love for reading and writing.
hands-on activities introduce foundational math concepts, including counting, patterns, and problem-solving
group play and structured activities so children develop skills like teamwork, empathy, and emotional regulation
an introduction to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) concepts sparking curiosity and critical thinking
regular art, music, and physical activities enhance creativity and motor skills while building confidence
and incursions, excursions, and environmental awareness programs help children connect with the world around them.

Aurrum Kids preschool for toddlers also combines the best of NSW early learning practices with personalised care, ensuring every child is ready to thrive in school and beyond.

Access affordable and quality education for your child

The Start Strong preschool NSW program ensures families have access to affordable preschool in NSW while maintaining the highest standards of quality education. Supported by Start Strong funding, Aurrum Kids delivers an exceptional early learning experience that combines affordability with excellence. Our quality preschool education in NSW has been thoughtfully designed to engage and inspire young learners through play-based activities, exploration, and personalised learning opportunities. By leveraging Start Strong funding, we make it possible for families to provide their children with a strong educational foundation in a nurturing and stimulating environment, reinforcing Aurrum Kids’ commitment to delivering the very best in early childhood education.

Quality resources and support for your child’s education

The Start Strong NSW early childhood support provides families with valuable resources and support to ensure a positive and enriching preschool experience. At Aurrum Kids, our nurturing educators create a welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to learn, socialise, and explore their talents. Through the Start Strong preschool NSW program, families benefit from individualised learning plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and interests, ensuring personalised attention to their growth and development. Regular progress updates keep parents informed of their child’s achievements across social, emotional, and academic areas, while parental engagement activities foster collaboration and a shared commitment to each child’s success. By combining high-quality education with family-focused support and Aurrum’s preschool resources, NSW Start Strong helps prepare children for a bright future.

Get peace of mind

At Aurrum Kids, we prioritise creating a safe preschool environment in our NSW centres, where children can thrive under the care of our highly qualified educators and preschool programs. Our dedicated team of early childhood professionals is carefully selected for their experience, expertise, and passion for nurturing young learners. Combined with our state-of-the-art facilities, designed to inspire exploration and learning, Aurrum Kids ensures your child enjoys the best possible start to their educational journey. With a strong focus on safety, innovation, and community connection, our child care in NSW gives parents the confidence and peace of mind that their child is in a secure, caring, and enriching environment.

Free up your schedule

Aurrum Kids understands the demands of balancing work and family life, which is why we offer a flexible preschool schedule in NSW to provide consistent and reliable care for busy parents. With extended hours and tailored scheduling options, our programs ensure parents can confidently manage their commitments while knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. Our preschool support for parents in NSW not only supports parents by providing consistent care but also offers key benefits that contribute to children’s development and independence:

builds critical social and emotional skills, promoting self-awareness and resilience.
teaches children how to interact respectfully, share, and collaborate with peers, preparing them for future group settings.
encourages the formation of friendships and positive social habits, helping children build strong, supportive relationships.
provides group activities and structured play that boost confidence and ease in social environments.
and helps children navigate interactions calmly and respectfully, fostering rewarding experiences with others.

These foundational skills not only prepare children for school but also give families peace of mind and the flexibility they need to navigate their daily routines.

How the NSW Government’s Start Strong program works

The funding for your child’s fee relief will be provided to our service, directly from the NSW.
Government, and we will pass this fee relief on to you as a reduction to your fees.
You cannot receive fee relief at more than one early childhood education service.
There will be no impact on your Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Start Strong fee relief is not income tested and you do not need to be receiving CCS to be eligible for fee relief.
There are no citizenship or residency status requirements to access fee relief.
The Start Strong for Long Day Care fee relief will be allocated to you as a flat rate across 40 weeks during the calendar year. This will be between the March and December period.
If your child will be attending another service that offers fee relief (a community preschool or another long day care service), it is up to you to choose which service you would like to receive fee relief from. You will need to fill out a Declaration and consent form at each service your child attends.

NSW Start Strong eligibility

To qualify for preschool funding in NSW under the Start Strong program, families need to meet these simple criteria:

Address: Must live in NSW.
Age: For 3-year-olds, the child’s birthdate must be on or before 31 July 2022. For 4-year-olds, the child’s birthdate must be on or before 31 July 2021.
Attendance: The child must attend an approved early childhood education and care service for at least 12 hours per week.
Approved Service: The program must be offered by a service approved by the NSW Department of Education and participating in the Start Strong initiative.

Enrol in NSW funded preschool

Call Aurrum Kids on 1300 287 786 or enquire here, and we’ll provide you with the forms and information you need to complete to receive your funding for NSW Start Strong program enrolment.

Provide written preschool funding consent in NSW

If your child is at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2025, you must:

Compete the 2025 NSW Start Strong funding Declaration and consent form. We’ll provide these forms to you on your enrolment.
Return the form to us as soon as possible so that we can determine whether to apply fee relief to your child’s account.

Enjoy partially subsidised preschool fees in NSW

Your childcare fees will be partially subsidised against the NSW Start Strong fee relief program. The fee relief will be applied directly to your account to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Ask our team to learn more.

Quality Educational Facilities

Early learning environment NSW

Our Aurrum Kids preschool facilities in NSW feature well-organised play areas that encourage hands-on exploration and collaborative play, cosy reading nooks that foster a love for books and quiet reflection, and sensory activities that stimulate curiosity and learning. With purpose-built indoor and outdoor spaces, including art studios, outdoor kitchens, and natural play elements, our centres provide children with a nurturing environment where they can thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

Nutrition in preschool NSW

At Aurrum Kids, we are committed to promoting healthy meals preschool in NSW and fostering lifelong healthy habits in our young learners. Our emphasis on nutrition ensures that children enjoy wholesome, freshly prepared meals and snacks that support their growth and development. Our carefully designed menu offers a variety of balanced, nutrient-rich options, incorporating flavours from different cultures to broaden children’s palates while providing familiar favourites they love. By focusing on fresh, diverse ingredients, we help children build a foundation for healthy eating habits in a nurturing and educational environment.

Qualified educators in NSW

Aurrum Kids early childhood educators are dedicated professionals with a passion for nurturing and guiding young learners. Our team brings expertise and enthusiasm to every interaction, fostering a supportive environment where children can thrive. Using a play-based approach, they integrate hands-on learning, language development, and social skill-building to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. With their commitment to understanding each child’s unique needs, our educators create a safe, engaging space that encourages growth, confidence, and creativity.

Family-friendly preschool

We offer convenient preschool for NSW families. With extended hours from 6:30am to 6:30pm, accessible locations, and efficient drop-off and pick-up zones, we provide the flexibility busy parents need to manage their daily schedules confidently. Our family-friendly preschool is also located near public transport options, ensuring smooth commutes for working parents. By combining high-quality care with thoughtful conveniences, Aurrum Kids creates a supportive environment for both children and families.

NSW Start Strong program FAQs

How does preschool work in NSW?

Preschool in NSW is designed for children aged 3 to 5 years, offering play-based learning that helps develop essential skills for school readiness. It focuses on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through structured programs led by qualified early childhood educators, and families can choose a preschool that suits their needs.

What age is preschool in NSW?

With child care in NSW, preschool is generally for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Most children attend preschool the year before they start formal schooling, which is typically when they are 4 years old.

What is Start Strong program eligibility?

To be eligible for the NSW Start Strong funded preschool program, children must be four years old by 31 July in the year they start preschool and enrolled in a participating preschool for 600 hours per year (which is typically equivalent to approximately 15 hours per week for 40 weeks).

Is preschool compulsory in NSW?

Preschool is not compulsory in NSW, however, it is highly recommended as it provides children with valuable early learning experiences that prepare them for formal schooling. Programs like the NSW Start Strong initiative make preschool more accessible and affordable.

How much does preschool cost in NSW?

Fees may vary based on centre.. Participating preschools will receive the funding directly from the government and then pass on a saving in the form of reduced fees. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on the centre fees and your family circumstances.

Where do I need to apply?

Aurrum Kids will provide eligible families with a form that they can fill out to receive funding prior to their child starting preschool.

Can I switch to a funded preschool from a non-funded preschool?

Families can access only fee relief at one preschool or long day care service at any specific time. However, families can switch to a funded preschool from a non-funded preschool if they are only going to receive funding from one service.

Is there a school readiness checklist for NSW?

Our school readiness checklist for NSW parents and carers can help you prepare your child for their transition to school.

Where can I find more information about the Start Strong program?

You can find out more information about the funded Start Strong preschool NSW program here.

Our centres

Ballarat, VIC

Our modern infant childcare centre in Ballarat provides a nurturing space for your child to embark on their learning journey.

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Located in one of Victoria’s most stunning areas, our Mornington Peninsula centre embraces the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a calming and inspiring space for your child.

Penrith, NSW

Nestled in the heart of Western Sydney, our Penrith centre offers a nurturing and stimulating environment, where your child can explore, play, and learn.

Toowoomba, QLD

Our new centre in Toowoomba is carefully designed to spark creativity and curiosity in your child, with passionate educators guiding them every step of the way.

Quick enquiry

At Aurrum Kids we have no extra fees. Make an enquiry to find out more about our early learning centres.

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