The Andrews Labor Government is helping more Colac families and children benefit from better early learning facilities through a major investment in children’s centre infrastructure.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that the Andrews Labor Government is investing $301,500 for a significant upgrade to Winifred Nance Kindergarten in Colac, as part of a total of $18 million in capital funding provided through the Children’s Facilities Capital Program.
The Winifred Nance Kindergarten project is among 28 projects across Victoria to share in funding.
Part of the renovation of the kindergarten will include an upgraded kitchen which will allow children to participate in cooking activities.
The plan will also include a meeting room for families to discuss their child’s progress with educators, or for support services to liaise with families and children in a familiar environment. Additional storage space will be added to create an effective and functional work space.
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a record $70 million to build, expand and upgrade early years infrastructure across Victoria to ensure local families can continue to access great local kindergartens, including $10 million targeting growth areas.
Research shows that children who have a stimulating, supportive and healthy start to life are more likely to do well later in life, while children who attend kinder score between 10 and 20 points higher on NAPLAN tests.
Colac families are also set to benefit from the Government’s $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, announced in this year’s Victorian Budget 2017/18.
This ground-breaking reform plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder and ready for school.
It will mean parents can access improved parenting support and Maternal and Child Health Services, as well as higher quality and more inclusive kindergartens.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“Kinder is a really important time in a child’s development – this exciting upgrade will ensure Colac families can access quality early childhood services to help their children get ready for school and ready for life.”
“Providing high quality kinder facilities for families is a priority for the Andrews Labor Government and I know this project, once complete, will deliver great facilities for local families for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education, Jenny Mikakos
“We know that high-quality early years education and care are vital to giving our children the best start in life, which is why we are investing in first-rate early learning facilities.”