03 5226 8900Belmont Community Kindergarten children enjoyed a fresh start to Term 4, after the City of Greater Geelong gave parts of the Kidman Avenue building a makeover during the holidays.
The works included full renovations to the kitchen and children’s bathroom. The kitchen now includes a child-height servery bench opening to the three-year-old kindergarten room, enabling children to take part in cooking activities.
The bathroom in the four-year-old kindergarten room now includes a disability accessible toilet, aligning with Belmont Kindergarten’s inclusive philosophy. Doors on cubicles demonstrate respect for children’s privacy and a large, safe change table with steps helps staff avoid lifting and twisting.
A more open and attractive outlook has also been achieved following demolition of the old unused maternal health building outside the fence line, along with removal of a deteriorating sandpit shade structure.
“The large outdoor play space enjoys a lovely park outlook and a large tree provides shade for the sandpit, in line with our preference for natural environments,” said Julie Molloy, Manager, Early Years Education & Community at Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF).
Ms Molloy thanked City of Greater Geelong (owner of the kindergarten building) for its collaborative approach and excellent work modernizing the facilities within the two-week term break.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the council was investing heavily in new and improved community facilities in response to Greater Geelong’s fast population growth.
“We want our region to remain the best place to live, and that means making sure everyone has close access to places such as kinders,” Mayor Asher said.
“Kindergartens play such an important role in early life and it’s important they’re of a high standard. We were really pleased to complete this upgrade to help BCYF continue to offer an outstanding program for local families in Belmont.”
Located opposite Wangala Primary School, Belmont Community Kindergarten offers a child centred, play based literacy, numeracy and language program, in a caring and nurturing environment. The kinder also boasts a strong creative arts program.
Sue Sydenham has taught at the kindergarten for almost 20 years and has nothing but praise for the refurbishments. “The children and staff are really enjoying the bright, modern spaces. At Belmont Kindergarten we offer children learning opportunities that foster independence, inclusion and build self-help skills. The enhancements to our facility will certainly help achieve this,” she said.
Applications are now open for government funded 3 and 4 year-old programs in 2022 with limited places available. Find out more or register online at www.bcyfkindergartens.org.au