Information on fees, term dates & waiting list

Pre-School fees are set and reviewed on an annual basis by the Management Committee in accordance with available funds and operational costs. 

The Management Committee (including the Fundraising Committee) and the Pre-School staff work hard to ensure that fees remain as low as possible while ensuring the children have access to the highest quality educational resources and equipment as well as a fully maintained building and playground area. The Pre-School is lucky to have the support of dedicated parents and local community groups contributing both time and financial resources. We actively encourage parents to contribute to Pre-School activities. This not only ensures fees can be kept at a minimum but enriches the educational experience of the Pre-School children.

Please note: These costs are based on 4 & 5 year olds, who will attend school in the following year. Fees for 3 year olds differ slightly and will be given on application.

Enrolment fee

A one-off fee of $70 applies to all new enrolments at the Pre-School. It includes a $45 enrolment deposit that is refunded on your child’s last invoice prior to graduation from the Pre-School and an Annual Association Fee of $5 which is a compulsory fee payable annually per family. Membership of the Association gives parents and caregivers the right to vote at Management Committee meetings.

General term fees

The 2021 fees are set to be $26 per day. Fees are charged for each scheduled day of attendance and will therefore still be charged even in the case absence from Pre-School. A subsidy is available for families on low income that hold a Health Care Card for low income or are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.

Fees are calculated for each School Term and invoices are distributed via the children’s information pockets. Fees are due at the end of Week 2 in each term, however payment in instalments can be agreed after consultation with the Pre-School Director. Failure to pay fees may result in your child being excluded from the Pre-School in forthcoming terms.

Extended hours fees

The Pre-School currently offers extended hours for no additional fee. The extended hours are 8.30 – 9.00am (morning session) and 3.00 – 4.00pm (afternoon session).

Parents can create a regular or casual booking for extended hours participation, but staff must be notified in advance.

The high-quality learning environment provided at Berry Community Pre-School combined with the limited physical capacity of the Centre often means that demand for places exceeds the availability.

Priority is given to children who are eligible to attend school the following year. In the event that no vacancies exist, names are placed on a waiting list with placement being offered as soon as possible. Children with additional needs are welcomed and included in every aspect of the Pre-School Program.

The Pre-School staff and Management Committee have developed a comprehensive Priority of Access Policy. These guidelines assist staff, parents and the Management Committee to understand the enrolment criteria and the application of these criteria, while ensuring the Pre-School meets the obligations of funding partner the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) and does not exceed the operational restrictions under the Council Development Application Conditions.

All children must provide Australian Immunisation Register Statements to enrol. Please note that conscientious objection is not accepted under the Public Health Act.