MAKING KINDER BUILDINGS AND PLAYGROUNDS MORE INCLUSIVE
Thursday, 19 December 2019
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Traralgon and Glengarry children of all abilities get the best out of their time at kinder, thanks to an upgrade at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Early Learning Centre – Traralgon Campus and Glengarry Kindergarten.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced the two facilities were part of 54 services to secure funding to upgrade their buildings or playgrounds and make them more inclusive and accessible for children with additional needs.
The Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program playground and buildings stream provides up to $200,000 in upgrades to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for all children.
| SERVICE | FUNDING AMOUNT | PROJECT DETAILS |
| St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Early Learning Centre – Traralgon Campus | $198,890.00 | This project will redesign an existing play area founded on allowing exploration through play in a natural environment, “loose play” and opportunity to collaborate, gather, socialise for children, teachers, parents and the community. The design encourages children of all abilities to use their imagination and explore the outdoor play areas. |
| Glengarry Kindergarten | $15,552.00 | This project will install a rubber tough figure eight bike track to enhance the outdoor environment. It will encourage active outdoor play and assist in educating children and families regarding road safety. |
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 included $6 million for the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program to help kindergartens across the state provide safe and inclusive environments for children with additional needs.
Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. That’s why, in an-Australian first, the Victorian Government has committed almost $5 billion to deliver 15 hours of funded three-year-old kindergarten programs to children in Victoria over the next decade.
Three-Year-Old Kindergarten will be rolled out progressively across the state, with families in 21 regional LGAs to benefit in 2020 and 202. The roll-out will continue progressively across the state, with families in a further 15 regional LGAs to benefit in 2021. This will be expanded in 2022 to give three-year olds across the rest of the state access to five hours of funded kindergarten, before being scaled up to a full 15-hour program by 2029.
The Labor Government’s investment in Three-Year-old Kinder also includes $473.2 million over five years for early childhood infrastructure, which will support the sector to invest in new and expanded kindergarten facilities, when and where they are needed most.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“These upgrades will make a big difference in ensuring children of all abilities attending kindergarten in Traralgon and Glengarry get the support they need to thrive.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing
“These grants will provide local kinders with resources that improve outdoor spaces, accessibility and the sensory environment for more of Victoria’s kids, and they are a crucial part of making our early learning environments and classes as welcoming, inclusive and diverse as possible.”