Once struggling to fill enrolments, The Little School Preschool in Dombarton now has a waiting list for 2016 and is even looking to expand.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In May, the not-for-profit preschool was desperate to fill vacancies after its future was put at risk due to state government funding cuts.
After reaching out to the community, director Danae Horsey reported they were near capacity for term 3 with only one space left.
‘‘It’s really nice ... and we’ve hopefully got a plan in the works to increase our indoor space and increase viability,’’ she said.
However Ms Horsey said the preschool wanted to remain a small facility to better cater to individual children’s needs and create unique learning experiences, including through the development of their Secret Garden.
On Friday, natives, fruit trees and vegetables were donated for the outdoor classroom, which has been under construction since 2012 and even has its own mud pit installed.
‘‘It’s empowering children and teaching them about the environment ... we try and do as much away from technology as we can,’’ Ms Horsey said. ‘‘I think people are starting to understand [playing outside] is really important.’’
‘‘A lot of parents that come to this service are looking for that nature-based play, where they can get down and dirty, they can play with worms and dig in the garden.’’
Ms Horsey hopes the garden will be complete by the end of the year, and she is now trying to source a water tank and raised garden beds.