State play dough for kinders

KINDERGARTENS in Hallam and Endeavour Hills will be among many to benefit from a State Government funding boost announced last week.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said several eligible kindergartens across the City of Casey would receive extra funding under a package worth up to $83.7 million, which was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday 22 June.
Hallam, James Cook, Allara, Oatlands, and Timbarra kindergartens will be among those facilities to receive the extra funding.
Mr Donnellan said improved staff-to-child ratios will take effect at the start of next year.
Under the new ratio, kinders will provide one educator per 11 children. The current ratio is one educator per 15 children.
The new ratios form part of the Government’s National Quality Framework.
The new funding is in addition to the $50 million provided by the Victorian Government in the 2015-’16 Victorian budget to build and upgrade new and existing kinders.