Victorian families in Manor Lakes and Point Cook will soon have more convenient kinder options, as the Allan Labor Government announces the creation of over 1,700 additional places across the state. With new kindergartens set to open at schools in 2026 and 2027, parents can look forward to simpler drop-off routines and more accessible early education for their children.
The announcement was made by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, who visited Footscray North Primary School alongside Member for Footscray, Katie Hall. The new kindergartens will provide crucial early learning opportunities in key areas, including Manor Lakes P-12 College, Iramoo Primary School, and Point Cook South P-9. These additions will significantly ease the pressure on families juggling multiple drop-offs by positioning the kinders right at school sites, streamlining the transition from early education to primary school.
The government’s ongoing commitment to early childhood education, as part of its $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, is set to benefit thousands of families across Victoria. The reform program aims to deliver 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep by 2036. The expansion includes 60 new or expanded kindergartens since 2019, with every new government primary school since 2021 featuring a kindergarten on site or nearby.
With new facilities set to open in communities like Manor Lakes and Point Cook, the initiative ensures that early education is within easy reach for growing families. The investment will not only improve access but also ensure quality programs are available to children where they are most needed.
Lizzie Blandthorn emphasised the impact of these new facilities, stating, “We’re building new kinders at schools right across the state, making quality kindergarten programs easier to access and making life easier for Victorian families.” Katie Hall added, “We’re proud to be delivering more local kinder places for families in the inner west – ensuring more local kids get a great early education.”
This expansion reflects the government’s ambition to address the needs of busy families, offering kinder places directly at school sites to minimise hassle and support children in their crucial early years. With 23 kindergartens now scheduled to open in 2026 alone, families in Manor Lakes, Point Cook, and beyond can anticipate a smoother, more integrated approach to early learning and school life.
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