Two Melton kindergartens to receive upgrades

Two Melton kindergartens are set to receive extensive upgrades.

Liam McNally

Two Melton kindergartens have received more than $385,000 in state funding as a part of the Building Blocks Improvement Program.

On Thursday, October 13 Melton MP announced that Goodstart Early Learning Melton High Street has received $318,929 for an outdoor upgrade consisting new sandpits, play equipment,

activity areas and sensory experiences, along with extensive drainage works and concrete removal.

Melton West Preschool has received $65,725 for a playground upgrade which has been in planning for three years.

These kindergartens are two of 104 services set to share in $17.7 million in funding to renovate and refurbish their centres.

The state government has promised $9 billion investment in early childhood education over the next decade.

Part of this funding will go towards making both three and four-year-old Kinder free from next year, and establishing 50 government operated childcare centres.

Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt said this level of investment in early childhood services is “unprecedented”.

“These grants will help local councils and early childhood services across Victoria to improve their kindergartens and help set them up for the future,” she said.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said the grant will ensure Goodstart Early Learning on High Street and Melton West Preschool in Melton have the funding they need to improve their facilities and technology.