Our Preschool
Why Choose Our Public Preschool?
Our fee-free public preschool, located on the grounds of Birchgrove Public School, is a natural and convenient choice for local families. We are proud to be rated Exceeding the National Quality Standards, reflecting our commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
"We’re so happy we chose Birchy for our boys. The teachers are caring and dedicated, the parent community is welcoming, and our children feel truly seen. Starting in the preschool gave us extra confidence and made the move into 'big school' feel easy."
— Jess, Birchgrove Public School parent
We give every child the best possible start to their early learning journey. At our preschool, children explore, ask questions, create, and grow in a safe, supportive, and play-rich environment. Our caring educators nurture confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning through fun, hands-on experiences that help each child feel happy, capable, and ready for school.
Our philosophy
At Birchgrove Public School Preschool, we learn and play on Wangal land. We have a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and their families. (PDF 56K)
We strive to foster confident and resilient children by encouraging independence and promoting positive relationships with both their peers and educators. We believe that through consistent routines, strong partnerships with families, and a child-led curriculum; underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, each child is well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
We cherish the unique opportunity to support children to be lifelong learners who are resilient, social, and enthusiastic about school for years to come. We deeply value and nurture the relationships built with children and their families, working collaboratively as a team to ensure positive outcomes for every child.
We appreciate the strong, lasting connections developed between students, families, and staff at preschool, which often continue well into the school years.
Building strong, caring relationships with children and their families is at the core of everything we do, and it guides our commitment to providing a supportive, enriching environment where every child can thrive.
updated August 2025
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 by submitting an expression of interest form.
How to apply:
Expressions of interest open on Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 9:00am and close on Friday 3 July 2026 at 3:00pm
To be considered for placement in 2027, please complete an expression of interest form.
The completed form may be submitted by email or in person at the Birchgrove Public School office.
Expressions of interest will be time and date stamped upon receipt.
Please note that forms cannot be accepted before 9:00am on Tuesday 21 April. Any forms received before 9:00am will not be considered for enrolment.
Birchgrove Public School Preschool offers a maximum of 80 enrolment places each year. Due to high demand we regularly receive more expressions of interest than places available. As a result, the time and date stamp may be considered as part of our enrolment offer process.
Priority consideration: NSW Public Preschools prioritise enrolment for identified groups in our community as determined by NSW Department of Education guidelines. The three priority groups are:
· Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
· Children living in low socioeconomic circumstances
· Children unable to access other early childhood education due to disadvantage.
Once priority group enrolments are determined, first round offers are made as follows:
- Children living within the school’s catchment area
- Children living outside the catchment area who have siblings at the school
- All other applicants
Offers will be made in early term 3 and families will be invited for an introductory meeting with the assistant principal.
Preschool days and hours
Our preschool is open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, on the same days as all NSW public schools. To learn about our preschool hours, please refer to our parent handbook.
Fees
Our preschool is fee-free. NSW public preschools are fully funded by the NSW Government, and families are not charged to attend.
Attendance
Public preschools enrol children for one year only, in the year before they start Kindergarten.
Children may enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn 4 years old on or before 31 July of that year.
Meals
Children bring their own meals and snacks each day.
Please refer to our parent handbook for detailed guidance on what to pack.
How to Enrol
Unlike NSW public primary schools, public preschools do not have intake areas (catchments). Enrolment is by application only.
Please note:
Enrolling in a public preschool does not guarantee a Kindergarten place at the same school.
Enrolment Priority
Priority is given to:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
- children living in low socio-economic circumstances
- children who cannot access other early childhood services due to financial hardship
After these priority groups, the principal will offer places in the following order:
- Children living within the school’s catchment area
- Children living outside the catchment area who have siblings at the school
- All other applicants
Book a tour or join our waitlist
Come and see our preschool in action. Talk to our team and secure your child’s place.
Contact us - expressions of interest for 2027 open in term 2.
Facilities and resources
Learn how our spaces and tools support every subject and learning style.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.