Families in Melbourne's west will soon benefit from a new kindergarten on a school site in Aintree North - helping them avoid the dreaded double drop-off and giving children a smoother transition into school.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced there will be 178 additional kindergarten places created through a new three-room kindergarten at the future Aintree North Primary School (interim name), set to open in 2027.
Locating kindergartens on or near schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.
Aintree North is one of 14 new kinders being built on school sites in 2027, delivering more than 2,400 additional kindergarten places for families across Victoria - when and where they're needed most.
More than 145,000 children and their families are saving up to $2,600 per child each year through the Labor Government's Free Kinder program, which is available at 97 per cent of kinder programs across the state.
Aintree North Primary School has shared in a $336.4 million investment to build new schools - part of a $1.5 billion program delivering more than 13,300 new places for students across Victoria.
Our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education - helping children thrive, easing cost-of-living pressures for families and supporting parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"We know Aintree North is growing fast - having a kinder on the school site helps children feel part of the school community from the very beginning, supporting their wellbeing and easing the transition to school."
"By bringing quality kindergarten programs to communities where they are needed most, we're making sure every Victorian child gets the best start in life."
"Free Kinder is saving families up to $2,600 a year per child - delivering early education that's affordable for everyone."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"This new three-room kinder will be co-located right at a new primary school, helping with cost-of-living pressures and making mornings so much easier for families when they open in 2027."
