A WHOLE new world of learning has opened for children attending Gladigau Park Kindergarten following a mammoth $320,000 revamp of the facility.
Funded through a national quality standards upgrade scheme, the early learning facility has been overhauled in its first major renovations since it opened in 1983.
The facility is now equipped with a disabled toilet and boasts a range of improvements, including new wet areas, a kitchen, art space and breakout room.
Site director Jane Hetherington said the upgrades were long overdue and had transformed the facility into a bright and motivating kindergarten, in line with national standards.
“It was time for a revamp and the kids now have a much more positive and vibrant space to work in,” Ms Hetherington said.
With the site able to cater for 30 children per day, Ms Hetherington said the redevelopment would bring huge benefits to attendees.
“We have known for around three to four years we would be receiving something, but we just had to wait,” Ms Hetherington said of the funding.
“In March last year, we did a large outdoor working bee as we just did not know when it was going to happen.
“It was pretty much as soon as we finished that in Term 4 last year, they told us things were going to begin.”
Ms Hetherington said while some minor works were yet to be completed, the bulk of work had been finalised.
“We are very happy with how it has turned out, it is a nice space and it is a lot brighter and more convenient,” she said.
“It is just the little things like lighting, windows, heating and flooring which make a huge difference.
“Every area now has a purpose and is now built for a reason.
“We are trying to make the place more natural and homely and have bought some second-hand antique furniture instead of buying generic kindergarten pieces.
“The new breakout room has already proved beneficial for our specialised visitors, parents and is also a nice quiet space for children to quieten down in.”
The kindergarten will also receive a further $20,000 through a State Government COVID-19 grant scheme, which will be used to purchase outside blinds and finalise other refurbishments.
