AFTER a year’s hiatus, Laharum preschoolers have returned to class.
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Horsham District Kindergarten Association executive officer Pauline Bulter said it was great to have the kindergarten open 2017 but community support was needed to keep the doors open.
“It’s great to be back and great for the community of Laharum,” she said.
“The government announced remote kinder funding last year to assist remote kinders to stay open with low numbers.
“Without that funding we wouldn’t have been able to look at reopening in Laharum this year. The funding has certainly helped.” Ms Bulter said there was no guarantee the kinder would remain open next year.
“We’re always hopeful but at the end of the day it comes down to financial viability of the service,” she said.
“The funding definitely helped but at the moment it doesn’t breech the gap when we have low numbers and we’re still running on a small deficit – realistically we need to increase enrolments.”
Ms Butler said communities benefited from having a preschool nearby.
“It’s a huge advantage to keep remote kinders open,” she said.
“It supports families and helps the community.”