GRANTS TO MAKE KINDERGARTENS INCLUSIVE FOR ALL

The Allan Labor Government is making kindergartens more inclusive and accessible for all children – with more than 400 services sharing in $9 million to upgrade facilities and buy specialist equipment.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the recipients of the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program which delivers critical funding for upgrades and equipment to help Victorian kids reach their full potential.

The grants of up to $200,000 will be shared among 41 kindergartens and will help to deliver upgrades to buildings, playgrounds and amenities – making early learning activities safer, more inclusive and accessible.

Another 361 services will receive up to $10,000 in funding to buy moveable and accessible equipment, such as mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment.
• Trentham Early Learning will receive $1,975 for new equipment that will provide more opportunities for inclusive learning and play for an increased number of 3yo children.
• Riddells Creek Kindergarten will receive $69,234 to incorporate landscaping of a bike track loop, replacing an existing shade sail, installing new sandpit sleepers with wide entrance, repositioning a new cubby house with wider entrances to be more easily accessible and refurbishing existing playground equipment.
• Swinburne Avenue Children's Centre will receive $144,100 to incorporate landscaping of a bike track loop, fencing, replacing two existing cubby houses with new wide access entrances, replacing seating and installing a web climber in the centre of the existing sandpit.
• Kyneton Kindergarten will receive $58,012 for transforming the existing play area from an unshaded, crushed rock area to a grassed area with shade sail installed. Funding is designed for projects that help children engage in activities, build skills, and ensure early learning is inclusive for all abilities.

Since the Labor Government launched the Building Blocks program in 2020, it has delivered more than $235 million to plan, build and improve early childhood services across Victoria.

It’s all part of Victoria’s nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, which are transforming early childhood education, saving families money and supporting parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“I’m proud to see services in Macedon benefit from this vital funding, creating spaces where every child feels included and empowered to reach their full potential.”‍

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Every child deserves to actively participate at kindergarten, no matter their ability – these grants will make sure kinders have the inclusive facilities and equipment they need to support all children to grow, learn and play.”

“We’re supporting the diverse needs of Victoria’s children by making hundreds of kindergartens safer, more engaging and inclusive, so all children can grow and thrive from the best start in life.”

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