The Allan Labor Government is giving more children the best start in life, with a brand-new kindergarten opening on the Mornington Peninsula providing more local families access to a high-quality education program close to home. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today officially opened Tootgarook Primary School Kindergarten with the help of some of Victoria’s youngest learners – where up to 178 kindergarten places are now available. 

The new kindergarten, located at Tootgarook Primary School, has three rooms and outdoor learning areas. 

Positioning 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. 

This project shared in $283 million from the Labor Government in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 for three-year-old kindergarten capital funding. 

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. 

Through our Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn 

“Every child deserves to attend a quality kinder close to home. We’re investing billions to build and expand kinders right across the state, delivering more kindergarten hours for children and making life easier for families.” 

“This is a great local kinder with several schools nearby, making drop-off and pick-up time easier for busy parents and carers.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“This new kinder in Tootgarook will give more children in the area the chance to attend a great local kindergarten, where they can learn, play and make new friends – where parents will save up to $2,600 per child through Free Kinder.”