Kinder enrolment encouraged

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Families are being encouraged to enrol their children in kindergarten for next year by Sunday June 30.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today reminded parents many kindergartens close enrolments for next year on 30 June and now is the right time to enrol their children.

In Victoria, 97 per cent of publicly funded kindergarten services offer free enrolment, allowing around 140,000 children to attend kinder at no cost.

Three year old and four year old kindergarten services are also available, while for the first time next year, children in the local government areas of Ararat, Gannawarra, Hindmarsh, Murrindindi, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack will be the first to enrol in pre-prep.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn urged parents to make sure their children are enrolled in kinder, whatever type, in 2025, arguing it was vital for their development.

“Kinder has many benefits for children and families, with two years of play-based learning better than one,” she said.

“With free kinder, three year old kinder, and now pre-prep, we’re making early childhood education easier to access and giving more children the best start in life.”

At kinder, qualified teachers and educators guide children’s learning, encouraging them to use their imagination and make discoveries while listening, sharing and working with others. Children also learn about numbers, words, and language, and develop social and emotional skills, building key skills for life.

Families can find kindergarten services near them by contacting their local council or visiting vic.gov.au/kinder.