Start Strong Funding NSW

Planning How To Use Your NSW Start Strong Funding?

For eligible early learning services, Start Strong funding from the NSW Department of Education may be used to invest in educational resources and equipment that support quality learning environments.

The Start Strong program supports preschool education for 3 and 4-year-olds across NSW, with separate funding programs available for eligible Long Day Care services and Community Preschools. The program is designed to support the affordability and quality of early childhood education in the years before school.

Depending on your service type and funding stream, this may include funding for resources, equipment and other eligible costs that support children’s learning and everyday centre life.

So, if you’re planning what your space needs next, there are plenty of ways your funding could help.

Some of the resources and equipment covered by Start Strong funding may include:

Sensory & Inclusion.

Create opportunities for children to explore through touch, movement, sound and sight.

Sensory resources can encourage curiosity while also supporting children with individual sensory needs. Educators can incorporate engaging tactile and visual resources, or create calming sensory spaces that give children opportunities to explore, regulate and engage in their own way.

For eligible Long Day Care services, the Start Strong guidelines specifically include sensory toys and aids as an eligible use of Program Payment funding.

Blocks.

Stack, build, balance and start again.

Blocks and construction resources encourage children to experiment with shape and space, solve problems and explore early STEM concepts, while leaving plenty of room for imagination.

Educators can incorporate timber blocks, construction sets and other open-ended resources to invite children to create, test ideas and build.

Cultural Resources.

Thoughtfully chosen cultural resources can open up conversations about identity, community, language, traditions and different ways of life.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources, multicultural dolls and pretend play foods inspired by different cuisines are just some of the ways educators can bring culture into everyday play and learning.

For eligible Long Day Care services, Start Strong Program funding can include both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural resources and multicultural resources.

Outdoor Play.

Take learning beyond four walls.

Outdoor play gives children space to explore, take risks and discover the natural world around them.

Educators can incorporate playground equipment for building balance and gross-motor skills, outdoor mud kitchens for imaginative play and nature-based resources to create even more opportunities for active learning.

For eligible Long Day Care services, Start Strong Program Payments can include resources for outdoor learning spaces, physical activity and play equipment.

Storage.

A great storage system helps keep busy learning spaces organised and resources easy for children to access throughout the day.

Open shelving, mobile storage and modular units can help educators create flexible spaces that adapt to changing activities, interests and routines.

Storage solutions are specifically included in the Start Strong spending guidelines for eligible Long Day Care services.

Plan For What Comes Next.

Whether your preschool or early learning centre needs more sensory resources, new outdoor play equipment or better ways to organise your space, Start Strong funding may help support what comes next.

With Quarter 4 payments expected by 31 October 2026, now is a great time to start planning for the rest of the year.

Eligible uses vary by service type and funding stream. Please refer to the current NSW Department of Education Start Strong guidelines and your funding agreement.

Start Strong Funding NSW

Planning How To Use Your NSW Start Strong Funding?

Sensory & Inclusion.

Blocks.

Cultural Resources.

Outdoor Play.

Storage.

Plan For What Comes Next.

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