Learning in nature is one of the best ways for children to start their education journey.
The Carroll Labor Government is backing our Bush Kinder programs to give even more Victorian children this hands-on opportunity.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today visited Raleigh Street Community Children’s Centre in Thornbury to announce 150 kindergartens will receive Bush Kinder grants, supported by $900,000 in funding.
Raleigh Street is one of 88 kindergartens starting a new Bush Kinder program with a one-off $6,000 grant.
The other 62 will use their funding to enhance existing nature programs.
Bush Kinder takes learning beyond the classroom and into parks, bushland and beaches.
Children climb, explore and discover the natural world – building confidence, curiosity and a love of the outdoors.
The grants help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run guided activities and nature play.
More time outdoors boosts children’s physical health and wellbeing. It improves endurance and co-ordination.
It also builds new skills and hands-on knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The Labor Government has now awarded 600 Bush Kinder grants over four years, investing $3.6 million to make nature play more accessible.
Families across Victoria are struggling with the cost of living right now. Free Kinder is saving families up to $5,400 per child across their kinder journey – real help to save families time and money.
Through Free Kinder, all Victorian children can access two years of quality early childhood education before starting school.
Our nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education and making sure every child gets the best start in life.
Only Labor supports our children’s future.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Every child deserves the chance to learn in nature, to climb, explore and discover.”
“Bush Kinder builds confidence, curiosity and a life-long love of the outdoors – and we’re proud to help 150 more kinders get outside.”
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
“Thornbury families are passionate about nature and Bush Kinder gives them an opportunity closer to home for their children to get more hands-on learning.”
