Creating Inclusive Beginnings for Every Child
Thanks in part to a $35,000 community grant from Canterbury League Club, Koorana Child & Family Services is set to open a brand-new inclusive all-abilities preschool in Canterbury-Bankstown LGA.
The preschool in Bass Hill will welcome up to 100 children each week, with 25% of places reserved for children with disabilities.
“Every enrolment will prioritise families experiencing vulnerability — ensuring that children who need the most support are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Morgan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Koorana Child & Family Services.
“Bass Hill was carefully chosen as the site for this new preschool, as it currently has the lowest ratio of early learning places in the Canterbury-Bankstown area. With many families facing socio-economic and cultural barriers, the need for accessible, high-quality education has never been greater.”
The preschool has been architecturally designed to be fully inclusive, featuring adaptive furniture and equipment so that every child can engage in learning in the way that best meets their needs.
Parents and families accessing the new preschool also get access to Koorana’s therapeutic team which will be integrated directly into the preschool environment. This means children will benefit from on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychology services woven into their everyday learning experience.
Canterbury’s donation helped purchase essential educational and therapeutic resources needed to bring the space to life — including learning materials like toys, puzzles and paints, sensory play equipment like swings and balance boards, inclusive kid-friendly tables and chairs, and outdoor play structures.
“Early learning access helps improve children’s confidence, school readiness, wellbeing, and long-term health outcomes. A space where children of all abilities can learn together fosters a more inclusive community in our local area,” said Peter Winchester, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.
