Thursday, 17 August 2023
The Victorian Government is giving every child the opportunity to learn more through play, with grants for fun and educational toys and equipment rolling out to around 2,900 kindergartens across the state.
Member for Williamstown today announced a $5,000 grant for every Victorian Government-funded kindergarten and long day-care service in the area to buy new toys and equipment for their Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.
The grants will help each kindergarten buy age-appropriate and inclusive toys such as construction blocks, musical instruments, puzzles, chalk, gardening tools and sensory toys – encouraging children of all abilities to use their imagination and creativity while learning through play.
With wear and tear inevitable, services will be encouraged to purchase toys made of natural and sustainable materials, extending their durability and keeping them out of landfill. Services will also be asked to purchase locally made products wherever possible – supporting local jobs and businesses and saving money.
The one-off grants are part of a $14.7 million investment to ensure every funded kindergarten in Victoria has the high-quality toys and equipment needed so every child can learn best through play.
Research shows that quality play-based learning helps lay the foundation for success throughout a child’s education and life. By playing with educational toys and games, children use their imagination and practise important skills, such as problem-solving, while also learning to listen, share and take turns.
The Victorian Government is investing an additional $1.8 billion over five years to support the biggest-ever early childhood reforms in Victoria’s history – Best Start, Best Life.
The funding locks in Free Kinder, continues the roll-out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and starts the transition to Pre-Prep from 2025, while helping to deliver a massive infrastructure program of new and upgraded kindergartens across the state.
Up to 140,000 children and families are already benefitting from the first year of Free Kinder, which gives children 5 to 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, saves families up to $2,500 in fees per child and helps parents return to work or study if they choose.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown
“We’re ensuring every kinder in the Williamstown electorate has the educational toys and games needed to encourage our children to grow and learn and let their imaginations run free.”
“Victoria leads the nation when it comes to early childhood education – two years of quality play-based learning gives our children the skills they need to succeed in school and life.”
Ends.
Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
