Gowrie Victoria Broadmeadows Valley has been earmarked for expansion as part of the Victorian Government Best Start, Best Life kinder reform program.
The program, which includes free kinder for all families, is making sure every new primary school has a kindergarten on-site or next door to ensure a smoother transition from kinder to school for children.
Three of Gowrie Victoria’s early learning services are located on shared sites with schools, and school readiness is a strong feature of each program.
There are regular visits to neighbouring primary schools, shared activities between kinder and primary school students, and excursions to help build resilience.
Earlier this month, Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt visited Broadmeadows Valley Primary School to announce the expansion of GVBV.
“Our landmark investments are delivering quality early childhood education for local families… making life easier for busy parents and carers,” she said.
GVBV Early Learning Manager Michelle Gujer said the expansion, to be completed in 2025, would mean increased access for children in the diverse and growing community.
“Children are able to access a 15-hour kindergarten program from three years and, in 2025, children will be able to increase their hours from 15 to 30 per week in a four-year-old program,” Michelle said. “This expansion of our kindergarten on a school site ensures continuity of learning is enhanced for all children and families with seamless transitions onto school.”
The announcement follows the renewal of the service’s Excellent Rating from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority last year. GVBV was first awarded the highest rating possible under the National Quality Framework six years ago and was once again acknowledged for its outstanding work.
Michelle said the expansion was wonderful news for the community, with many more children set to benefit from the high-quality program and support for families.
“GVBV is not only renowned for providing exceptional early education and care for children, but also the work it does within the community to provide best possible outcomes for families,” Michelle said.
The wide-ranging curriculum includes an Arabic language program, On Country Kinder, and Playing IT Safe program. The service is also part of the Koorie Preschool Assistant Initiative (now known as bupup balak wayipungang), and recently released its Trauma Informed Practice Guide.
Michelle said the prospect of expansion was an exciting one that would allow more children and families to feel a strong sense of community and belonging and allow them to access the exceptional early education and care they deserved.
