Six local kindergartens have been named as recipients of the State Government’s Bush Kinder Grants Program.
Last week, it was announced that more than 150 kindergartens across the state were successful in their funding applications, including the Amiga Montessori Wollert, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Inc, Goodstart Early Learning Bundoora – Karl Court, Thomastown Learning Centre, Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Wollert, and YMCA Whittlesea – Galada Kindergarten.
Each recipient will receive a $6000 grant that will seek to ease the burden of purchasing equipment and items in order to run bush kinder, a natural and outdoors exploration program for early learners.
The program builds on findings that state that regular outdoor play delivers significant benefits for a child’s learning and development, including their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Furthermore, it is believed that children who experience bush kinder develop greater confidence and capabilities while learning how to recognise and manage risks in new environments.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn was excited to see the program expand to allow more children to safely explore the world around them.
“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,” she said.
“Kids have so much to learn from regular bush, beach, and park-based kinder programs, where each visit offers new opportunities to learn about and discover our great outdoors.”
