Families in Aintree North, a suburb in Melbourne’s west, will soon have access to a new kindergarten located on the site of the future Aintree North Primary School. The announcement, made by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, revealed that this facility will create 178 additional kindergarten places and is set to open in 2027. This initiative aims to alleviate the logistical challenges many parents face, particularly the often cumbersome double drop-off at separate locations for kindergarten and primary school.
The establishment of kindergartens on or near school sites is part of a broader strategy to enhance early learning opportunities for children. It not only simplifies drop-off for parents but also facilitates a smoother transition into primary education. Aintree North is among 14 new kindergartens planned for construction on school premises in 2027, collectively providing over 2,400 additional kindergarten places for families across Victoria, specifically targeting areas where they are needed most.
Victorian families are already seeing significant financial benefits from the Labor Government’s Free Kinder program. More than 145,000 children are saving up to $2,600 per child annually through this initiative, which is available at 97 percent of kindergarten programs throughout the state. The Aintree North Primary School is part of a broader investment of $336.4 million aimed at building new educational facilities. This investment is part of a larger $1.5 billion program that will deliver more than 13,300 new places for students across Victoria.
Investment in Early Childhood Education
The Victorian government has committed to investing $14 billion in the Best Start, Best Life reforms, which aim to transform early childhood education. These reforms are designed not only to support children’s development but also to help families manage cost-of-living pressures, ultimately allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to return to work or pursue education.
According to Minister Blandthorn, “Aintree North is growing fast – having a kinder on the school site helps children feel part of the school community from the very beginning, supporting their wellbeing and easing the transition to school.” She emphasized the importance of bringing quality kindergarten programs to communities that require them, ensuring that every Victorian child receives the best possible start in life.
Member for Kororoit, Luba Grigorovitch, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This new three-room kinder will be co-located right at a new primary school, helping with cost-of-living pressures and making mornings so much easier for families when they open in 2027.” The establishment of this kindergarten not only addresses immediate educational needs but also represents a long-term investment in the community’s future.
As preparations continue for the opening of Aintree North Primary School and its associated kindergarten, the focus remains on enhancing educational resources and support systems for families in the region, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their academic journeys ahead.
