About us

West Bathurst Preschool Inc. is a not-for-profit community based organisation that commenced operation in 1974.

It is an Incorporated body that is run by a Management Committee consisting of members of our preschool community. The Management Committee are responsible for the overall management, employment of staff, ongoing viability of the service and ensuring the preschool meets all its licencing and legal obligations.

West Bathurst Preschool is licensed and funded by the NSW Department of Education. The Director, who is also the Nominated Supervisor is responsible for the day to day running and management of the service.

In 1992 the preschool bought land and built the current building in Wark Parade.

In 2011 an additional classroom and office and meeting space were added on to the existing premise to open up more places for children in their year prior to school and to meet the demands of the growing community.

West Bathurst Preschool is licensed for 60 children a day, educating children from 3 years of age to school commencement age.

In 2008 West Bathurst Preschool Inc. established EarlyStart Kelso Preschool and Family Centre, an outreach service at Kelso for 20 children aged from 3 to 5 years living in severely disadvantaged circumstances.

In 2024 the service had a name change to EarlyStart Children & Family Centre and also got a brand new location and building. EarlyStart Children & Family Centre is located on the Charles Sturt University Bathurst Campus and operates 5 days per week. Children enter this preschool by referral and the program is low cost.

 FAQs

  • Contact West Bathurst Preschool to register your child on the waiting list. It is best to register early (12 months before you need to start) to avoid disappointment. A one-off, non-refundable payment of $10 is required to register your child. The enrolment procedure begins around August of each year for enrolment places for the following year. Any mid-year vacancies will be filled from children off the waiting list.

  • West Bathurst Preschool closes during the NSW gazetted school holiday periods.

  • An Australia wide curriculum, established by the Commonwealth Government is used at West Bathurst Preschool. The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. The Framework has a strong emphasis on play based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning, providing the most appropriate stimulus for brain development. The Framework also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.

  • West Bathurst Preschool has above the minimum requirement for university trained teachers. Every child attending preschool will have a university trained teacher leading the class. All other staff are either Diploma or Certificate III trained in early childhood related fields.