Our preschool
Why choose our public preschool?
Our public preschool is a fee-free preschool at Cardiff South. It’s an easy choice for local families with young children.
We give every child the 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.
Cardiff South Public School Preschool prioritises applications for enrolment in accordance with eligibility criteria that has been set by the Department of Education. Children living within the local school boundary are given priority for enrolment, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children living in low socio-economic circumstances.
Applications for enrolment at our Preschool begin by completing an expression of interest form which is returned to the school office in person or via email. Please note that completion of an expression of interest form does not guarantee a position, or the pattern of attendance requested. Careful consideration is given to the placement of children in our Preschool groups, with our aim being to ensure all children have a successful Preschool year and transition to school life.
Expression of interest forms can be submitted from the beginning of Term 2 each year for enrolment at Preschool the following school year. Families are notified in August each year as to whether they have secured a position at our Preschool for the following year. Expression of interest forms for the current school year can be submitted at any time throughout the year, with enrolment subject to positions being available.
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
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.
Our preschool is open for 6 hours a day, on the same days as all NSW public schools. Our preschool operates the same days and hours as the primary school and provides a quality play-based learning program for up to 40 children per week.
The preschool operates two attendance patterns. Families may request a preference for an attendance pattern on enrolment. However, attendance patterns are not guaranteed.
Fees
The Department of Education aims to make Preschool available to ensure the most disadvantaged children within the local community are able to access a quality early childhood service.
Public preschool services will be supported to provide 600 hours of free preschool. This is approximately 15 hours or 5 days a fortnight in the majority of preschool settings
Meals
Children bring their own morning tea and lunch to Preschool in accordance with the ‘Good for kids’ healthy food guidelines and also reflects our low waste approach to packaging.
How to enrol
Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for public preschools. Enrolment is on application only.
Enrolling in a preschool within a school does not guarantee a place at that school for Kindergarten. Interested in how to enrol?
Parent information and Expression of Interest forms
Book a tour or join our waitlist
Come and see our preschool in action. Talk to our team and secure your child’s place.
Testimonials
Hear from families about why they choose Cardiff South Public School Preschool for their children's development and education.
Requesting external services
Cardiff South Public School provides access to external providers. Find out how.