The push for a Steiner school reached a milestone with development application approval for the hall at 8 Table Street to be used as a school during the week.

The hall’s church use will continue on weekends.

Port Macquarie Steiner School co-founder and board member Alanna Alfaro said the development consent was important, because without it, the board could not go ahead with its application to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

The school plan depends on state government approval of the Port Macquarie Steiner School application for an independent school.

“People are really relying on whether we will start next year but nothing can be guaranteed until we get approval from NESA and the Minister for Education,” Mrs Alfaro said.

The final decision is expected in September.

Port Macquarie Steiner’s beginnings can be traced back to the Little Bowerbirds playgroup.

The plan is for the school to initially cater to kindergarten to year 2, depending on enrolments.

Steiner education provides enjoyable and relevant learning through deep engagement and creative endeavour, to develop ethical, capable individuals who can contribute to society with initiative and purpose.

Mrs Alfaro said the school would be community-based.

“We really value that this has come from parents and people in the community,” she said.

“We really want to be inclusive and never exclusive.”

Mrs Alfaro said a Steiner school would give choice to parents.

“There is no one school for every child,” she said.

“Not every school suits every family.

“I think a Steiner school gives parents the opportunity to give their children a very rounded education that’s wholehearted and community-focused.”

An expression of interest process is open from parents of potential kindergarten to year 2 students in 2018.

An information session is planned on July 29 at 2pm.

Parents, Table Street residents and other interested people are welcome to attend the information session.

Anyone interested in attending the information session can email admin@portmacquariesteiner.org.au or go to the group’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile, a story tent, featuring stories, songs and winter craft with Annie Bryant, will go ahead from 11am to 1pm on August 19 at the Girl Guides Hall.

The Port Macquarie Steiner School Board is looking for land as it plans ahead to a time when the school outgrows the hall.

“As a not for profit organisation, we hope we will be gifted this land,” Mrs Alfaro said.