Council Implements Recommendations from Kindergarten Study

Published on 05 October 2023

Council has listened to community and stakeholder feedback and has resolved to implement recommendations developed from the recently completed feasibility study, however, will not be proceeding with a full Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) for kindergartens.

The recent study focused on exploring the feasibility of a central registration scheme for the four kindergarten services in Mansfield Shire through examining the support from stakeholders, the associated risks and benefits, operating costs and cost recovery options.

While there was no support for a full CRES model in Mansfield Shire and findings supported maintaining the current state, the study identified the following areas for improvement to strengthen relationships between Council and service providers and make it easier for families to negotiate the kindergarten enrolment process and improve accessibility to information:

• Registration details to be shared with Council’s Maternal Child Health service to cross reference with the Child Development Information System database.
• Establishment of a page on Council’s website with kindergarten information including fees, subsidies, starting age, timeframes, and benefits of two years of kindergarten, and including links to each service in Mansfield.
• Engage the kindergarten services and key stakeholders in the Mansfield Early Years Educators Network.

Nola Bales, Executive Manager Community Health and Wellbeing, said although Council is not directly involved in kindergarten service delivery it has a strong commitment to early years planning and advocacy.

“Taking these steps will enhance the collaborative relationships between Council, key stakeholders, and early years providers within the Shire, supporting the transition to kindergarten and reducing barriers to education,” she said.

“It will also increase support for families, and provide a key information point, clearer options and details for families on programs, fees, starting age, timeframes, and benefits.”

The implementation of these recommendations will follow in the coming months. For more information contact Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Team at council@mansfield.vic.gov.au.