The Allan Labor Government is improving access to quality education for children in St Albans with the reopening of an upgraded kindergarten that offers local families a high-quality learning environment.
Today, Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman visited the newly rebuilt Epalock Crescent Kindergarten to announce that it is now open to children.
The upgraded, modular kindergarten is situated near several primary schools and features two rooms, providing an additional 33 spaces for three and four-year-old children.
Modular kindergartens are built off-site in sections, or “modules,” which are then assembled on location. This method allows for quicker construction, reducing disruptions. Once assembled, the modules are connected to utilities, and outdoor play areas and landscaping are completed.
Placing kindergartens near or within primary school grounds benefits children by ensuring they receive quality early education, offering more convenience for parents and caregivers, and easing the transition into primary school.
Since 2019, the Labor Government has funded the construction or expansion of 60 kindergartens located on or near school sites. This includes every new government primary school built since 2021.
The Labor Government is investing billions of dollars to build and expand kindergartens across the state. This effort supports the introduction of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten weekly by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep by 2036.
Through the nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children succeed, save families money, and support parents and carers in returning to work or study if they choose.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said, “We’re making an unprecedented investment in early childhood services so that children can benefit from high-quality local kindergartens.”
“We’re proud to fund early childhood infrastructure because we understand how vital the early years are in shaping the future of our children.”
Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman added, “This upgraded kindergarten in St Albans will offer children the chance to attend a fantastic local facility, giving our youngest learners the best start in life.”
