MEDIA RELEASE
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 Monbulk Daniela De Martino today announced the recipients of the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program which delivers critical funding for upgrades and equipment to help Victorian children 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.
Funding is designed for projects that help children engage in activities, build skills, and ensure early learning is inclusive for all abilities.
Dandenong Ranges Steiner School Kindergarten, a recipient of the Buildings and Playgrounds stream, will build a safe and nurturing all abilities playground, and furnish the 3 year old kinder room with a range of toys.
Kallista Kindergarten, Upwey South Preschool, Sassafras Preschool, Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool, Belgrave Preschool, Upwey Preschool and Emerald Preschool are also grant recipients. These grants will allow preschools to purchase equipment and toys, to help create inclusive all abilities play spaces.
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.
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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino MP
“I am thrilled to see kindergartens across Monbulk benefit from these Victorian Government grants, creating spaces where every child feels included and empowered to reach their full potential. I look forward to visiting these spaces once they are completed.”
Quote attributable to Cath Lanigan, Business Manager, Dandenong Ranges Steiner School
'We're delighted to have received State Government funding so we can purchase equipment and do extensive landscaping works for our new 3yo Kindergarten space which started operating this year. State Government capital grants funding for kindergartens has meant much-needed and appreciated upgrades to what we offer.''
