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Council kindergartens prepare to welcome 3-year-olds

Council kindergartens prepare to welcome 3-year-olds

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Monday, 18 October 2021

Custom-designed nappy change tables have been installed at council early years services, to prepare for the 400 additional children commencing next year, which follows council’s decision to offer 5 hours of funded kindergarten to 3-year-olds.

The change tables cater for children who are not yet toilet trained, and have been designed and manufactured in Melbourne by M.A.N Made Creations. Many of our early years buildings that house our kindergartens don’t have room for standard change tables, so they have been custom-built to suit the space available.

The events of the last two years have highlighted the importance of buying local and supporting local businesses and manufacturers, so working with a Melbourne-based manufacturer was an important factor for council in commissioning the new change tables.

The change tables are built using certified Australian hardwood and supplies. This supports local jobs and businesses in forestry and transport and minimises the carbon footprint of the change tables.

Across our 30 kindergarten buildings, many other upgrades and improvements are underway. In July, Berrabri Kindergarten in Scoresby received an upgrade of its verandah space, with similar works planned for Alice Johnson Kindergarten in Ferntree Gully later this year. Extended verandahs provide more outdoor learning spaces that are protected from sun and rain.

Council-run kindergartens in Knox will welcome 3-year-old children for the first time from Term 1 next year. This is part of a Victorian Government early childhood education reform, providing 2 years of funded kindergarten for all children in Victoria from 2022.

This is an important reform that will benefit children and families for many years to come.

Families can still register for kindergarten next year. More information is available on our kindergarten page.

Council kindergartens prepare to welcome 3-year-olds

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