New public preschool at Jindabyne School

We are investigating options to increase the available play space on the school site, including:

• potential use of an existing area on the school site
• potential reconfiguration of internal garden areas within existing play space.

Block B was not deemed suitable, as:

• Using the northern end of the block would have a larger disruptive impact to school operations due to the significant earthworks required.
• Using the southern end of the block near the school gate would have impacted the support classes that currently use this section of Block B.
• The surrounding land for preschool play space around Block B is not suitable due to its significant slope.

• As part of the next stage of design, we are generating 3D artist’s impressions to demonstrate how the preschool will look in the school context and will incorporate feedback where possible.
• We will consult with school leadership and staff on preschool fencing that best meets the school’s operational needs while complying with the project’s National Quality Framework requirements.

• This project’s construction impact is significantly reduced due to the project being a retrofit of existing spaces.
• No major civil works are required, reducing noise, dust and vibration impact.
• We are working with the school to develop clear construction site access plans alongside school leadership.
• Construction workers will access the school via a separate entry gate and fenced walkway to ensure the school grounds are secure.
• Deliveries will be scheduled to occur outside school zone hours.
• We will continue to co-ordinate with school leadership to schedule the most impactful works outside of school hours and avoid disruption to key school events.
• We regularly construct preschools and school upgrades in live school environments and manage projects closely to minimise disruption.
• We will acoustically seal the preschool-adjacent primary school classroom to minimise preschool noise impacts when operational.

• Preschool parents will access through the main school gate by buzzing a dedicated preschool video intercom with an electronic gate release.
• School gates will not be left open – they will continue to be opened at the same times they are currently.

• The preschool is part of a new commitment from the NSW Government to expand early learning. The Jindabyne Education Campus project predated this commitment.
• We are committed to minimising the impact of construction on the school while the preschool is being built.

• The current enrolment and latest enrolment projections for the school are significantly less than originally anticipated.
• The school was built for a much larger capacity. There are currently approximately 278 students, and the school will retain space to accommodate additional enrolments after the preschool is delivered.
• The department is required to properly utilise existing assets before building new assets. 

• On current projections, the school will continue to have enough space, even with the preschool, until at least 2036.
• After construction, the school will have capacity for more than 440 students from Kindergarten to Year 6, 40 students in the new preschool, and provide an additional 2 classes for students with additional needs.
• School Infrastructure will continue to closely monitor enrolment demand.
• You can view more information on how the department plans for future growth here: edu.nsw.link/PlanningforGrowth.

We are actively investigating all viable options to expand parking on the school site.