Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (27 August 2019)

Mr MERLINO (Monbulk—Minister for Education):

The Playgroup Program run by the Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) you have raised falls within the portfolio responsibility of The Hon Luke Donnellan MP, Minister for Child Protection.

As part of my portfolio responsibilities, the Andrews Labor Government is investing $160 million in School Readiness Funding for kindergarten services, with 32 local government areas to benefit from the funding in 2020. By 2021 every funded kindergarten service across Victoria will receive this funding. This Australian-first, needs-based funding aims to reduce the impact of educational disadvantage and is supporting children’s communication (language development); wellbeing (social and emotional), and their access to and inclusion in kindergarten programs.

I can advise that the PEEP is included on the School Readiness Funding ‘menu of evidence’ informed programs and supports. This is in recognition of their work and this will allow kindergartens across the state to benefit from the PEEP.

Thank you for your advocacy on this early childhood program. I wish this organisation all the best for its bright future.