Making kinders more inclusive

The State Government is helping all children get the best start to life – no matter their abilities – with more than 330 kindergartens across Victoria sharing in $10 million to upgrade facilities and buy specialist equipment.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced the grant recipients last month, with funding helping make sure all early learning facilities give children the support they need to reach their full potential at kinder.

65 kindergartens will upgrade buildings and playgrounds while 268 will be able to purchase equipment to boost inclusive learning, such as mobility stools or sensory equipment, giving children of all abilities the chance to participate fully in kindergarten programs.

The Building Blocks Inclusion grants provide up to $10,000 for inclusive equipment and $200,000 for building and playground upgrades.

The Building Blocks program – which also includes grants for infrastructure planning – offers grants to contribute to kindergarten infrastructure and is critical to ensure the successful roll-out of the Best Start, Best Life reforms across Victoria.

Since it was launched in 2020, Building Blocks has provided over $190 million to plan, build, and improve early childhood services across the state.

Through our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents – especially women – to return to work or study if they choose.

The Victorian Budget 23/24 invests an additional $1.2 billion to build or expand around 145 kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of free Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of free Pre-Prep each week by 2032.

For more information on the program and successful applicants visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.