Premier

Building Better Kindergartens For Ballarat Families

17 May 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping families in Ballarat access better kindergarten services with first-rate facilities.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Treasurer Tim Pallas today visited Iris Ramsay Kindergarten in Redan to tour the upgraded kindergarten, which is expected to open to local families in July.

The $522,235 kindergarten upgrade – an election commitment - will see a temporary building replaced with a brand new state-of-the-art second kindergarten room that can accommodate 22 children.

Iris Ramsay Kindergarten – which first opened in June 1945 – provides a 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten program for up to 44 children a day.

Research shows that children who have a stimulating, supportive and healthy start to life are more likely to do well later in life, while children who attend kinder score between 10 and 20 points higher on NAPLAN tests.

Ballarat families will soon benefit from the Government’s $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, announced in this year’s Victorian Budget 2017/18 – including more than $2.1 million to upgrade Ballarat kindergartens.

This ground-breaking reform plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder and ready for school.

It will mean local parents can access improved parenting support and Maternal and Child Health Services and higher quality and more inclusive kindergartens.

Infrastructure projects such as these ensure local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten alongside a range of other vital early years programs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We know that better quality early childhood services mean a better start in life for our kids.”

We know the first few years can shape a child’s entire life. By investing earlier, we’re giving our youngest Victorians the very best start.”

Quote attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering an unprecedented investment in early childhood services to support children and families as Victoria’s population continues to grow.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“This new facility will be a great asset for Ballarat – we know that this Government’s focus on early childhood is having a big impact on our kids by giving them the best start in life.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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