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 Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that southeast Melbourne kindergarten provider Community Kindergartens Plus will deliver quality early learning programs for local families at Tootgarook Primary School Kindergarten which will be in place by the end of 2024.
The 20 kinders statewide 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.
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 Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Every kinder place supports a whole family, from the educational, social and emotional outcomes for kids to the economic opportunities for parents, kinder makes a big difference.”
“This is great news for Tootgarook and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes for the community”
Quote attributable to Community Kinders Plus CEO Susan Reade
"Kinders Plus is pleased to have been appointed as the Early Years Manager for the new kindergarten on the site of Tootgarook Primary School.”
“We look forward to opening the new three room kindergarten in early 2025 so as to provide high quality early learning to three and four year old children in the local community.”
