Pop in for preschool

A brand new pop-up preschool is about to roll out, bringing early childhood fun and education out into the community. 

The project got the go-ahead from Forbes Shire Council in April, and the shade structure arrived this week. 

Add a couple of early childhood educators, some mats and chairs, toys and games - and of course food - and they’re good to go.

Director Amy Shine says the project is heading to Jenny Murphy Park first, but she would also like to take the project to other neighbourhoods or rural communities in future.

Ms Shine is excited about taking preschool services into the neighbourhoods, connecting with the families who send their children along to preschool and connecting with more local families. 

She has been working on ways to make the preschool an active part of the community, with the new facilities able to accommodate things like mother’s groups as well as just the preschool classes. 

“It’s been in the pipeline for ages,” Ms Shine said. 

While the pop-up’s target market is preschoolers, as the banners say, “everyone belongs”. 

“Everyone is welcome,” Ms Shine said. 

“It will be really relaxed, we will play with the kids, talk about developmental milestones and getting ready for school, but it will be really relaxed.

“It’s about being part of the community and getting to know our families, finding out what they want.” 

Ms Shine is also hoping to connect other services, like community health and dentists, through the sessions, which she anticipates will be monthly.

“I’d really welcome feedback and ideas,” she added. 

With pop-up preschool coming to Jenny Murphy Park, focus is on the facilities there.

Ms Shine has started a petition – available to sign at the preschool – to ask Council to improve the park. She plans to take it to the June meeting.

She said Council has been very supportive in looking after the surface at the park, and the kids would also love some equipment.