Monday 23 September 2024

The Allan Labor Government is delivering more kinders right across the state – helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop-off with 20 new or expanded kindergartens set to open their doors in Term 1, 2025.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced the service provider(s) across Northern Victoria who will deliver quality early learning programs for local families, which will be in place by the end of 2024.

• Kerang South Primary School Kindergarten – Provider: Gannawarra Shire Council
• Whitfield District Primary School Kindergarten – Provider: North-East Regional Pre-School Association
• Mildura South Primary School Kindergarten – Provider: Shine Bright EYM
• Echuca Primary School Kindergarten – Provider: Shine Bright EYM
• Yea Primary School Kindergarten – Provider: Uniting (VIC/Tas)

The 20 kinders will collectively deliver more than 2,600 kindergarten places for local children, giving more families access to a world-class kindergarten, close to home.

Thirteen providers will lead kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs at the kinders which are conveniently located at government schools to make life easier for busy families.

Children starting their four-year-old program at the primary school kindergartens in Yea, St Arnaud, Kerang South and Dimboola will also be the first to benefit from Pre-Prep – an expansion of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten from 15 hours of play-based learning each week to up to 30 hours each week.

Locating kindergartens on or near schools helps children get the most out of their early learning, while also providing a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children.

The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.

Since 2019, the Labor Government has delivered 60 new and expanded kindergartens on school sites while also ensuring a kinder is delivered on site or next door to every government primary school built since 2021.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“Over 2,600 more Victorian children will start their kindergarten journey next year – and it’s all thanks to our record investment in early childhood education.”

“From a simpler drop-off to a smoother transition to primary school, there are many benefits to having kinders at schools – and I’m proud to be making kinder more convenient and accessible for busy families.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This is another example of the Labor Government’s strong record delivering education at every stage – we’re providing families with the resources they need to support their children’s growth, right here in our community.”