GRANTS TO MAKE KINDERGARTENS INCLUSIVE FOR ALL CHILDREN

The Allan Labor Government is investing $9 million through the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants to help over 400 kindergartens in Victoria upgrade facilities and purchase inclusive equipment, ensuring all children can thrive in supportive learning environments.

The Allan Labor Government is taking another step toward making early childhood education more inclusive with a new round of funding aimed at improving kindergartens across Victoria. More than 400 services will share in a $9 million investment to upgrade facilities and purchase specialist equipment to better serve children of all abilities.

Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn, and Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, today announced the recipients of the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program, designed to help early learning services provide inclusive environments for all children.

The grants, which offer up to $10,000 per service, will help kindergartens purchase essential moveable and accessible equipment such as mobility tools, adjustable furniture, and sensory aids. These improvements will create more engaging spaces where children of diverse abilities can develop essential skills and fully participate in early learning experiences.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and this funding ensures that kindergartens can create environments that are supportive and inclusive for all," said Minister Blandthorn. "With these grants, we are giving services the tools they need to ensure children, regardless of ability, can engage in activities, build skills, and thrive."

Some of the successful recipients of this round include:

Goodstart Early Learning Melton - High Street
Goodstart Early Learning West Melton
Arnolds Creek Kindergarten
Bridge Road Kindergarten
Cambrian Preschool
The Building Blocks Inclusion Grants are part of the Labor Government’s broader commitment to early childhood education. Since the program's inception in 2020, it has delivered over $235 million in funding for planning, building, and enhancing early childhood services throughout the state.

This initiative is a key component of Victoria’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, which aim to transform the early childhood sector, reduce costs for families, and make it easier for parents and carers to return to work or study.

“These grants are another way we’re supporting families, ensuring children have access to high-quality education, and helping parents feel confident in returning to work or further study,” said Steve McGhie, Member for Melton.

With these grants, the Allan Labor Government continues to build a more accessible and inclusive early learning landscape, ensuring that every child in Victoria has the tools they need to succeed from the very start.