Thousands of Victorian children will have the chance to learn and play in the great outdoors, thanks to a bush kinder expansion.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced in February that 150 kindergartens across the state would receive $6000 grants to offer a bush kinder program in 2024.
Bush kinder is delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland, and beaches.
Children can learn through play with natural materials in the outdoors.
The programs are educational and exciting, with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The $6000 grants will help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife.
Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.
Applications for the 2025 round of another 150 bush kinder grants will open in the second half of this year.
Visit vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program for more information.
