Grants to help children transition from kindergarten into school

KINDERGARTENS across the region will receive a funding boost to support them throughout term 4 and in preparation for school.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman announced 34 local kinders were part of the more than 1,700 statewide to share in more than $3.7 million for early childhood services in the final term of the year.

In total, South Barwon kinders received $83,250 in grants, with the biggest being $5,000 each to Grovedale Child and Family Centre and Highton Preschool.

St Luke’s Highton Kindergarten, received $2,250. Early learning co-ordinator for the Southwest region at Uniting Children Ballarat Cathie Coles, who oversees St Luke’s and applied for the grant, said it was fantastic to see so many places receive funding.

“The department grants are fantastic for all of our services, they assist us in being able to purchase new equipment.

“Any grants that we get through the Department and Education and Training or from the local community is just so important.”

The money will go towards buying a new laptop and other IT department needs.

Mr Cheeseman said this funding would be beneficial to ensuring children made a positive move into school.

“This support will mean all children in South Barwon will be able to make a smooth transition to school after what has been a challenging year.”

This funding will be available to services that are not yet receiving funding through the state government’s $160 million School Readiness Funding initiative.

The Victorian Government announced $26.7 million in extra funding in Term 4 to support early childhood services through the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring sessional kindergarten remained free in eligible services and supporting children in their transition to school.