About our preschool

Why choose our public preschool?

Coota Gulla is one of 11 Department of Education preschools designated specifically for Aboriginal children. It is located on the grounds of Liverpool West Public School which is on the land of the Cabrogal People of the Dharug Nation. The preschool provides early education to children who turn 4 before or on 31 July.

Aboriginal culture, histories and perspectives are highly valued and are important components in our preschool life. Aboriginality and connection to land and peoples is enhanced by the contributions and support provided by Aboriginal educators, families and community members.

The Coota Gulla preschool community is committed to creating a nurturing learning environment that is safe, welcoming, inspiring and focused on obtaining optimum learning outcomes for each child. It is a place where children and their families are valued and where strong relationships are developed. We believe that positive partnerships between families and staff are essential to best support the education of children and to effectively cater for their wellbeing. We encourage and welcome families to share knowledge about their children, culture and community with all educators.

Preschool days and hours

Coota Gulla is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:15pm.

Each child is offered 600 hours of preschool over the year (or 15 hours a week).

At our preschool we offer alternate semesters, with children attending 2 days a week in one semester (12 hours), and 3 days in the alternate semester (18 hours). This averages to 15 hours per week across the year.

Fees

The Department of Education is committed to delivering fee-free early childhood education in NSW public preschools.

Attendance

Public preschools enrol children for one year only, the year before they start kindergarten.

Children can enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn 4 years of age before or on 31 July of that year.

While attending preschool in not compulsory, regular attendance is very important to support your child’s development and progress in preparation for kindergarten.

If your child is likely to be absent for more than 2 days, please contact the school on (02) 8784 3500 to let us know.

If your child has prolonged or unexplained absences staff will make contact to clarify.

If, during the year, you no longer require a place in the preschool please contact the school. We usually have children on the waiting list and, if you no longer require a spot in our preschool, we can offer it to another family.

Meals

Children bring their own meals and snacks to preschool. Any perishable items brought to preschool by the children are stored safely until they are consumed. All items requiring refrigeration are placed in the refrigerator by an educator.

There is no reheating of food in the preschool.

We promote healthy eating. The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need eat for health and wellbeing. They are based on scientific evidence and research.

How to enrol

Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for public preschools. Enrolment is on application only.

If you are outside the intake area and are attending Coota Gulla, it does not guarantee a place in our school for kindergarten.

If you are interested in enrolling in Coota Gulla please contact Liverpool West Public School on (02) 8784 3500 to place your child on the waiting list. This can be done at any time of the year. If you are uncertain as to which year your child can attend preschool, please contact the school and our office staff can assist you.