A partnership between Southern’s Brighter Beginnings program and the Queanbeyan & District Preschool Association (QDPA) is increasing the number of children accessing free health and development checks provided to 4-year-old children to identify any support they may need early – before they start school.
A partnership between Southern’s Brighter Beginnings program and the Queanbeyan & District Preschool Association (QDPA) is increasing the number of children accessing free health and development checks provided to 4-year-old children to identify any support they may need early – before they start school.
QDPA's four preschools have been taking part in the Brighter Beginnings program since its 2023 pilot, providing essential health checks for preschool children.
To support the program, a grant from the NSW Government’s Health and Development Participation (HDP) Grant Program has allowed the association to transform an unused office space at Mura Preschool into a dedicated space for health and development checks by the Brighter Beginnings team.
The space will also serve as an inclusive space for enrolment meetings, family meetings, educator networking, as well as a private space for breastfeeding mothers.
Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association
The refurbished spaces at Queanbeyan’s Mura Preschool Image credit: Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association
"We are so thankful to be a recipient of the Health and Development Participation Grant which had funded the refurbishment of this space," said Ashleigh Daly, Executive Officer of Queanbeyan & District Preschool Association.
"The grant will support further implementation of health and development initiatives across our preschools, including professional development, allied health support, and refurbishing spaces for health checks to be conducted in a culturally safe and inclusive space," added Ashleigh.
Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association
The refurbished spaces at Queanbeyan’s Mura Preschool Image credit: Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association
QDPA have commenced partnering with local community organisations to tailor unique support for families and children at preschool, thanks to the grant.
Sonia Bonora, Team Leader of Southern's Brighter Beginnings program said the partnership would help more children get off to a better start at school.
"Health and development checks are very important. They help you track how your child is growing and developing by looking at how they play, learn, speak, act and move," said Sonia.
"At the moment, about 2 in 5 children are starting school developmentally off track. We also know many children in NSW are not getting their 4-year health and development check. Increasing the number of children who complete the 4-year health and development check can help families get information they need to support their child’s health, growth and development, and seek help where needed, before their child starts school."
NSW Health, in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, are rolling out free 4-year-old health and development checks in ECEC services across all NSW Health local health districts.
Participating preschools and long day care services will let parents know when this program is coming to their service. The 4-year check is also available through your doctor or your local child and family health service. The Blue Book has information on the recommended checks for your child.
A smile, a thank you – it’s the small acts of kindness that make the difference to the experiences of our staff, patients, families, and carers across NSW Health.
Queanbeyan Hospital hosted an inaugural Diwali celebration in October with a beautiful lunch gathering on the Level 1 Balcony. The homemade food from staff was plentiful and delicious, and it was enjoyed by the many staff from across the Hospital who took the time to come in between shifts to celebrate and join the festivities.
