- Published:
- Monday 18 December 2023
The Allan Labor Government is building more quality kindergartens, with providers appointed to run early learning programs at three new kinders opening at or near government schools - to save busy families time and money.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced the service providers for the three kindergartens, which will open in Term 1, 2024 in Koo Wee Rup, Napoleons and Portland.
KU Children’s Services will operate a new two-room kindergarten at Koo Wee Rup Primary School, with 66 approved places for children and families in the Cardinia Shire.
In Golden Plains Shire, the Eureka Community Kindergarten Association will run the new kindergarten at Napoleons Primary School, providing 66 approved places across two rooms for local families.
In Glenelg Shire, Portland families will have access to 66 approved places, with Uniting Limited (Victoria and Tasmania) appointed to run the new two-room kindergarten at Bundarra Primary School.
These kinders will give more local children space to explore, play and learn – supporting their development with two years of quality kindergarten for the best start to education and life.
Locating kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.
As part of the $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is making sure every new primary school has a kindergarten on site or next door – with 12 new kinders opening in 2024 across Victoria.
Through the reforms, hundreds of kindergartens are being built and upgraded across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2032.
It’s all part of the Government’s nation-leading transformation of early childhood education, which helps children to thrive, saves families money, and supports parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Two years of quality early childhood education are critical for a child’s growth and development – these new kinders will give more families access to a quality kindergarten close to home.”
“We’re building and expanding hundreds of kindergartens on school sites across the state, making early education more accessible and giving more children the quality learning spaces they need for the best start in life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“Koo Wee Rup families now have more options for kinder and early learning, with quick and easy access to a great local primary school right next door.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“This is a fantastic announcement for families in Napoleons – this will ensure our youngest learners get the best early years education at world-class kinder and families can ditch the double drop-off.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“The new kinder at Bundarra Primary school will provide brilliant and convenient educational facilities for families in Portland, helping some of our youngest locals learn, thrive and gain confidence for school."