The Allan Labor Government is making kinders more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for every Victorian child.

The Minister for Children and Member for Melton Steve McGhie today announced more than $6.2 million for kindergartens across Victoria to create safe, accessible spaces and buy IT equipment to engage children of all abilities.

Kindergartens will receive up to $200,000 to upgrade facilities or purchase equipment to improve accessibility through the Building Blocks Inclusion grants.

Recipients include Botanica Springs Kindergarten who will upgrade their playground to enhance the learning environment within the sessional kindergarten programs in Brookfield, with the goal of creating a more inclusive, safe, and engaging space for all children, regardless of their abilities.

The Labor Government is also providing up to $10,000 for 175 services to buy accessible equipment such as adjustable furniture, mobility stools and sensory resources. Recipients in Melton include - Goodstart Early Learning Melton - Centenary Avenue, Goodstart Early Learning Melton - High Street, Goodstart Early Learning West Melton, Eynesbury Kindergarten, Kingsway Preschool, Melton West Preschool, Mt Carberry Preschool, Thornhill Park Children's and Community Centre, Botanica Springs Kindergarten, Brookfield Children's Centre, Arnolds Creek Kindergarten, Bridge Road Kindergarten, Cambrian Preschool and Melton Central Preschool.

More than $1.5 million in Information Technology grants will fund computers, tablets and televisions for educational programs and service administration as part of the Building Blocks Improvement grants stream.

Labor is investing billions to build and expand kindergartens across Victoria – supporting the rollout of 15 hours of Three‑Year‑Old Kindergarten by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre‑Prep by 2036.

Our nation‑leading Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education – helping children thrive, saving families money and supporting parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.

For a list of recipients and to find out more visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-blocks-grants-inclusion or schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-blocks-grants-improvement.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“We’re supporting Kinders to meet the needs of their communities – alongside Free Kinder saving families up to $2,700 a year.”

“Every child deserves to fully participate in Kinder - these grants help services make that a reality.

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Our investment means better learning environments, more accessible facilities and improved experiences for children, families and educators.”