Our Preschool
Why choose our public preschool?
At Mayfield West Demonstration School Preschool we play and learn on Awabakal land. We acknowledge the Awabakal people as the traditional custodians of this land, and pay our respects to Elders both past, present and future.
Public Preschools provide secure, positive and stimulating learning environments that cater for the most disadvantaged children in the local community. All children are acknowledged as capable individuals who are respected, supported, challenged and valued as active learners as well as citizens of today and tomorrow.
Teachers in Public Preschools offer quality, play based learning programs which respond to the abilities and interests of each child and provide a balance of child initiated and adult initiated learning experiences to promote children’s development. Being part of a school, Public Preschools also benefit families and children by supporting the continuity of learning and facilitating a smooth and positive transition to school.
We give every child the start in early childhood education. Learning in the preschool is not restricted by a list of things that must be taught or by assessment timeframes. Our educators are always observing and listening to children, to find their curiosities and keep learning threads going. Whether children are keen to learn about the alphabet or dinosaurs, cars or doctors, our team creates opportunities for exploration and intentional teaching that allows them to find out more.
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.
Our preschool philosophy can be visualised as a tree. It has deep roots in the community, a strong trunk and branches that come from our cultures and families, leaves that are unique experiences, and the flowers that are our Banksia and Wattle groups – the children of our service.
It is a place where children are known, valued, and cared for. Using the Early Years Learning Framework, our educators implement a play-based curriculum that is responsive to what children and families want and need. Learning encompasses a wide range of topics and it can include social interactions and sharing, routines and organisation, and skills such as early writing, reading, and counting.
By the time children have finished their year in preschool, we find that they are excited to start learning in a classroom. They know our teachers, our school grounds, and students. They understand the importance of listening to each other and to the adults supporting them. They have tried on their uniforms and they have usually spent weeks playing “schools” and getting excited for what’s to come.
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 offers a 5 day fortnight program (3 days one week and 2 days the alternate week).
Our two preschool groups are known as Banksia Group - Monday, Tuesday, every 2nd Wednesday and Wattle Group - Thursday, Friday, every 2nd Wednesday.
Our preschool is open for 9.00am to 3.00pm and follow the same school terms as all NSW public schools.
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.
What do children bring to preschool?
A water bottle.
A small library bag (on your child's Wednesday) in order to borrow a book from our library for home reading.
A spare set of underwear and clothes suitable for the weather and seasonal conditions.
Please label children's belongings so we can return lost property.
What do children wear to preschool?
Summer clothing needs to be sun-safe, with back and shoulders covered.
Closed in shoes or sandals help children to climb and run safely. Thongs, slip on or platform shoes are unsuitable for vigorous play at preschool.
Older clothes are a good idea for preschool so children can explore the program without worrying about keeping new clothes from getting dirty or wet.
Please label clothes brought to preschool so lost property can be returned.
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.
Enrolment forms can be picked up from our administration office or downloaded here.
Book a tour or join our waitlist
Come and see our preschool in action. Talk to our team and secure your child’s place.