Community officially welcomes Lyons Early Childhood School

I officially opened Lyons Early Childhood School today with Federal Member for Canberra, Annette Ellis MP.

The Early Childhood Schools at Isabella Plains, Narrabundah, Scullin and Lyons have become valued members of their communities providing excellent early learning and development services for children from birth to eight and their families. They offer integrated services including preschool to year 2 classes, child care, family support services and other services that support children’s learning, health and well-being.

The ACT Government is committed to providing children with the best start in life, and these schools are a major part of that commitment.

This school is part of the $19 million ACT Labor has invested in Early Childhood Schools. Our investment has been complemented by the investments Federal Labor is making in facilities such as the refurbished school hall at Lyons, providing students and teachers with the best facilities in which to learn and teach.

The open day included a sausage sizzle, face painting for children, a petting zoo, a jumping castle, performances by a community choir and children’s dance group and tours of the school.

The Early Childhood School which is on the site of the former Lyons Primary School includes features such as a large atrium, transitional outdoor classrooms and play decks and furniture suitable for young students. Bright colours are also used in early childhood areas creating an engaging learning space.

The four Early Childhood Schools have attracted strong enrolments. The February 2010 ACT School Census shows a total of 419 students enrolled at Narrabundah, Lyons, Isabella Plains and the Southern Cross Early Childhood School. This is an increase of 171 enrolments or 69 per cent since 2009.