Kndergartens in Hume have been named successful recipients of the state government’s bush kinder grants program.
Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn visited Bundoora Park on December 10 to make the funding announcement of $900,000 for the program, which will be shared among 150 kindergartens across the state.
The program funds kindergartens to establish or enhance a bush kinder program in a local natural space. Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to improve the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.
The program, designed to increase the amount of time children spend playing and learning in nature, will benefit local centres including the Coolaroo South kindergarten, Explorers Early Learning – Greenvale, St Andrews Uniting Kindergarten Sunbury and Goodstart Early Learning Greenvale.
Bush kinder is run in parks, bushland and beaches, giving children the opportunity to explore and develop curiosities through activities such as climbing trees, playing with natural materials and watching wildlife.
One-off $6000 grants will help kindergartens buy the items and equipment they need to run programs.
The government said the program builds on findings that regular outdoor play delivers significant benefits for a child’s learning and development, including their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“We all want the best for our kids and teaching them about the great outdoors is good for their wellbeing, physical development and connection to nature,” Ms Blandthorn said.
Bundoora MP Colin Brooks said programs like bush kinder are a fantastic way to connect the youngest learners with nature.
“These grants mean more local kindergartens can take learning outside, helping our kids grow in confidence and curiosity,” he said.
Funding in this round of grants is allowing bush kinder programs to be established at 43 regional kindergartens and 107 metropolitan kindergartens across 53 local government areas.
