Bush kinder programs expanding in the region

KINDERGARTENS across the Surf Coast Shire and City of Greater Geelong will receive funding from the Victorian government as part of the bush kinder grants program.

Kindergartens will be able to establish or enhance an already existing bush kinder program, designed to increase the amount of time children spend playing and learning out in nature.

Bush kindergartens run in parks, bushland and beaches, allowing children to explore the outdoors and complete activities such as tree climbing, playing with natural materials and watching wildlife.

“We all want the best for our kids and teaching them about the great outdoors in good for their wellbeing, physical development and connection to nature,” Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said.

“Kids have so much to learn from regular bush, beach and park-based kinder programs, where each visit offers new opportunities to learn about and discover our great outdoors.”

In the City of Greater Geelong, five kindergartens have received the funding:

Federation Children – Newtown Genius Newcomb

Kardinia Early Learning – Geelong

One World Children’s Centre, and St Johns Lutheran Kindergarten.

In the Surf Coast Shire, the Freshwater Creek Steiner Kindergarten will receive a grant.

Through the programs, children will spend more time outdoors, leading to benefits in physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Children also grow greater confidence and capabilities as they learn how to recognise and manage new risks while gaining a deeper understanding across a range of subjects.

As part of the funding kindergartens will be able to use the $6,000 grant to purchase items and equipment, with established centres able to further develop their programs.

The Victorian government is putting $3.6 million over four years into the programs, doubling the number of bush kindergartens across the state.

Through this round of grants funding has been provided to 107 metropolitan kindergartens and 43 regional kindergartens.

Applications for further rounds of grants will open in 2025.

For more information on the grants, head to vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program