MILLICENT North Kindergarten has undergone a major facelift.
After two and a half years, the centre has been given a revamp with completion of some renovations and other projects continuing as part of the overhaul.
Kindergarten director Donna Barber said the renovations had made the kindergarten modern and visually appealing and the overall feedback had been positive.
“In 2015 we received a grant to upgrade the bathroom facilities in line with the national quality standards, however some other areas had to be moved to make space for the bathroom area,” she said.
“The kindergarten ended up with a new kitchen and office, plus heating, cooling, lighting, a wash trough, painting and storage in the undercover verandah area.
“We now feel it is a visually appealing, modern, user-friendly place for our staff, children and families.
“We have had many compliments on the new look space, especially by people who remember how it looked before the new work was undertaken.”
The interior upgrade complemented the site-funded work in the outdoor learning area, which was completed last year.
A new sandpit was the main focus for fundraising and the final design was created by students with the help of early childhood worker Tracy Pratt.
As part of the work, a hand pump was installed to service a creek bed running under a bridge, as well as a boat facade that children also use as a house or a castle.
The sandpit was also separated into smaller spaces surrounded by rocks, logs and native grasses.
“The sandpit area has totally changed the way our children engage with the new space and we have noticed more creative and cooperative play between children,” Ms Barber said.
“Play is more open-ended and child-led, with the children making decisions for themselves, rather than relying on educators to set up areas ready for them to use.”
During the school holidays, flooring in the main room will also be replaced as part of the upgrade.
