The Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Early Childhood Education and Care is an important step for young children and is strongly recommended for all children.
Research shows that an early childhood program improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills and encourages a love of learning. Children who go to an early Childhood program are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school.
A high-quality early childhood program will offer your child a range of learning experiences and activities that are both stimulating and fun. Your child’s learning and curiosity will be encouraged through experiences and activities, such as exploring the natural world, being exposed to new ideas and solving problems.
Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children.
LATEST NEWS Four new kindergartens announced
Wednesday 5 November 2025
The Victorian Government has signed a Building Blocks Partnership worth up to $14.62 million with Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited (SCECE&C) to plan and construct four modular kindergartens across the Sandhurst Diocese.
The new centres will be located at:
- St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Huntly - with one kinder room opening in 2027 and a
second in 2028
- St Peter's Primary School in North Bendigo - two kinder rooms opening in 2027
- St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Baranduda - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
- St Anne's College in Kialla - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
Announcing the deal at St Peter's Primary School on Wednesday 5 November 2025, Victorian Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn said:
“Kindergarten is an incredibly important part of a child’s early education. This new Building Blocks Partnership with Sandhurst Early Childhood will deliver more than 350 extra kindergarten places for Victorian children and families.
“We’re continuing to support young Victorians and their families to get the best possible start in life through a high quality kinder.”
SCECE&C Chief Early Childhood Officer Carla Jeffrey said the partnership recognises and strengthens early learning in regional communities.
“Today’s announcement under the Building Blocks Partnership is a moment of real significance, not just for our diocese but for the provision of early childhood education in Victoria," says Ms Jeffrey.
"We are incredibly honoured that the work of Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care in supporting families and delivering high-quality early learning across rural and regional Victoria is being recognised and strengthened through this investment.”
The agreement forms part of the state’s Best Start, Best Life reforms, which include delivering 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2036. The Government has now entered 20 Building Blocks Partnerships - 17 with local councils and three with non-government school organisations - supporting 118 new and expanded kindergartens and more than 15,000 additional places across Victoria.
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