Bellarine kinders benefit from grants

MORE than 10 kindergartens on the Bellarine are among those to be recipients of new government funding to help local children have the best start to their education.

Early learning spaces in Leopold, Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Clifton Springs, Queenscliff and Portarlington have all received Building Blocks grants from the Victorian government.

The grants will allow the institutions to upgrade infrastructure both in and outside the classroom.

Some of the funding has already been used to purchase portable projectors, waterproof cameras for educators, teachers and children, listening posts and IT equipment.

Last week, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant visited Beacon Point Preschool in Clifton Springs, which received $1,788 to purchase two Apple iPads and a five-port USB charging station.

She said it was fantastic to see the Bellarine featured in the latest round of grants.

“Every child deserves a safe and inviting learning environment, that’s why the government continues to invest in local kindergartens.”

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn agreed.

“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens,” she said.

“These Building Blocks grants ensure hundreds of kindergartens have the facilities and equipment they need to give Victorian children a great start in life.”