Childcare numbers could go down if fees increase. Source: The Sunday Telegraph

They fear thousands of kids from some of the most disadvantaged suburbs will be removed because parents won't be able to afford the compulsory fees.

Under the new policy, voluntary contributions will be axed and parents will pay fees between $10 and $40, depending on location.

At Darlington Preschool in the inner city, enrolments have already dropped from 55 children to 12.

The NSW Teachers Federation said a survey of the state's 100 government preschools found enrolments will plummet in 2012.

"An overwhelming majority of responses indicate that introducing fees will decrease enrolments and applications for enrolments," said senior vice president Joan Lemaire.

Public School Principals Forum deputy chairperson Brian Chudleigh said the government did not stand to make much from the changes, which will affect 4000 families.

Mr Chudleigh said he was concerned about the numbers of children who might miss out on preschool altogether.

The Federation of Parents and Citizens' Association of NSW president Helen Walton said parents were furious.

The NSW Teachers Federation, principals and parents said they planned to work together to stop the move.

A spokesman for the NSW Education Department said fee exemptions existed, while all Aboriginal children and some low-income families would be eligible for a 50 per cent discount.

The spokesman said preschools serving disadvantaged communities such as Walgett and Coonamble would not charge fees. "Families that can afford to pay will be asked to pay the full  preschool fee," he said.

[REDWatch Note - Support the Darlo School Fete on 29th October 2011 - see events listing for details and sign the Darlington Preschool Petition ]