Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has welcomed today’s opening of the new St Nicholas Early Education Centre and Pathways Training Centre, which will bring 70 new early education and childcare places to the heart of Maitland’s CBD.

St Nick’s Maitland includes a 15-place nursery for children aged 0-2, a 15-place program for children 2-3 years, a 20-place program for those aged 3-4 and a 20-place preschool program for children 4 to 5 years.

“It is great that Maitland families will have access to more long-day care options here in the centre of town,” Ms Aitchison said.

The new centre has an open-air outdoor environment with natural and built spaces, and educators will deliver a child-centred, play-based curriculum.

Ms Aitchison acknowledged the importance of the new St Nicholas Pathways Training Facility, which will attract trainees from across the Hunter Region and offer a range of study options for aspiring and existing early childhood education and care professionals.

“While there are two other St Nicholas Early Education Centres here in the Maitland area, the CBD location is the only one that offers this purpose-built training facility,” Ms Aitchison said.

Study options include a school-based apprentice/trainee (SBAT) program, an industry immersion program, and ongoing professional development opportunities for new and existing St Nicholas employees.

“I’m pleased that Maitland people who wish to pursue this career pathway have local access to this facility and its associated study options,” Ms Aitchison said.

“It is also always positive to see people coming into our CBD, experiencing what we have to offer, and hopefully supporting our small businesses during their visit.”

The official opening and Blessing of St Nicholas Early Education and St Nicholas Pathways was conducted by Bishop Bill Wright.