Orange Grove Public School Preschool

Why families love our public preschool

Our public preschool is fee-free and part of Orange Grove Public School, making it an accessible and high-quality option for local families. Unlike our K–6 enrolment, preschool places are capped at 20 children per day. We hold an information evening in Term 1 each year to explain the expression of interest process to families.

At our preschool, children explore, ask questions and grow in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. Our educators nurture each child’s development through quality, play-based learning that builds confidence, curiosity and a love of learning, setting them up for a confident and happy transition into big school in Kindergarten at Orange Grove Public School.

Applying for a Place in Our Public Preschool

We are proud to offer a nurturing, play-based preschool that gives children a high-quality start to school life. Our preschool is part of Orange Grove Public School and is a popular choice for local families, with places capped at 20 children per day. Families interested in enrolment must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Expressions of interest open at the beginning of Term 2 in the year before your child is due to start preschool.

We strongly encourage families to attend our Term 1 information evening to understand the process, key dates and how places are allocated. Please note that submitting an EOI does not guarantee a place. Each year we receive well over 60 applications for only 40 available places, so unfortunately some families will miss out. We understand how disappointing this can be and apologise for any disappointment.

Priority of Enrolment
In line with the NSW Department of Education’s Preschool Enrolment Policy, priority is given to children in the local community who may be disadvantaged or have limited access to other early childhood education. Priority categories include:

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
Children living in low socio-economic circumstances
Children unable to access other early childhood services due to disadvantage or financial hardship

Remaining places are then offered according to the priority criteria and availability.

Attendance Pattern
To ensure every child receives 600 hours of preschool education each year (15 hours per week), we offer two attendance groups:

Group A – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2); Monday and Tuesday in Semester 2 (Terms 3 and 4)
Group B – Thursday and Friday in Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2); Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Semester 2 (Terms 3 and 4)

Required Documentation
When submitting an expression of interest, families need to provide:

Proof of child’s identity (birth certificate or passport)
Immunisation history statement
100-point proof of residential address
Health Care Card (if applicable)

If your child is offered a place, you will then complete the NSW Government Application to Enrol in a Preschool, providing any additional documents such as visa status or family law orders if relevant.

Vaccination Requirements
Children must be fully vaccinated for their age, on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a valid medical exemption. Children turning four must provide updated vaccination evidence after their birthday to continue attending.

Waiting List
If your child is not offered a place, they will be placed on a waiting list according to the priority criteria. If a vacancy occurs, offers are made in priority order.

More About Preschool Enrolment

The following details help families understand how preschool enrolment works at Orange Grove Public School and what to expect if applying for a place.

Length of enrolment: Public preschools enrol children for one year only, the year before they start school. In exceptional circumstances, a child may be considered for a second year of preschool with the principal’s approval after consultation with the family and teacher. A second year is treated as a new application and prioritised in the same way as all new applicants.
Eligibility age: Children can enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn four years of age on or before 31 July that year.
Enrolment panel: At the end of the EOI period, a panel led by the principal reviews applications and allocates places according to the priority criteria. All panel members declare any conflicts of interest to ensure the process is fair.

For further questions about the preschool enrolment process, please contact the Orange Grove Public School office.