Glengala Kindergarten in Sunshine West is one of 24 new kinders that have opened on or near school sites in Victoria this year.
Glengala Primary School principal Kristy Herridge said having the onsite kinder helps children transition from kindergarten to school more easily.
“Children become familiar with the environments, the adults and the expectation of the school in a calm and supported way,” Ms Herridge said.
She said it also helps parents who have children attending the school and the kindergarten.
“For families, it really helps with their daily routine. It’s in one convenient location and strengthens the early relationships with the school community,” Ms Herridge said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate across the two sectors. We’re hoping that will grow in the next few years.”
Ms Herridge said the collaboration also allows the school to teach its values of being passionate, respectful, open to learning, understanding and driven from the get-go.
“Having that kindergarten onsite is a real opportunity for us to work with the kinder on those values from the beginning,” she said.
The new kinder consists of two rooms that accommodate up to 66 children at one time.
According to the state government, the 24 new kinders that opened onsite or near schools this year will create 3250 additional spots for children.
Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said high‑quality kinder sets children up for school and for life.
“We’re delivering services like Glengala Kindergarten where families need them most – like close to home, on school sites with more places than ever before,” she said.
