By Parker McKenzie
Knox City Council is on the verge of making a decision on the future of kindergartens in the local area, after officers recommended reducing the service to just two early-learning centres.
Ahead of the Monday 19 June council meeting, Knox City Council officers have recommended that the council cease providing stand-alone kindergarten services and “relinquish Council’s role as an Early Years Manager from December 2024 in line with the expiry of the current kindergarten service agreement.”
“The report outlines a recommendation for Council to formally consider Option 2, as defined in this report to remain a service provider in the two Early Years Hubs only from January 2025,” the council agenda said.
“Under this option, other providers would be sought to operate sessional kindergarten services in Knox and Council would be able to lease its stand-alone kindergarten facilities to alternate not-for-profit service providers.”
The report recommended that it be noted that staff consultation with impacted employees will be undertaken.
Knox City Council sent out a fact sheet to staff employed in council-ran kindergarten services in early June, stating that “parents and community members may ask you questions about Council’s service review and the future of kindergarten in Knox.”
“This factsheet will help you answer some of these questions,” it said.
“You can also suggest families email kindergartenreform@knox.vic.gov.au for more information or if you are uncomfortable answering any questions.”
It states that if asked if kindergartens will close, the council has determined that it cannot operate services on the scale it has historically.
“Any change to our services resulting from the review would be effective from January 2025. If Council chooses to stop running kindergartens, other providers would be sought to operate sessional kindergarten services in Knox and Council could lease its stand-alone kindergarten facilities to alternate service providers.”
The fact sheet said if asked if stall could lose their jobs as a result of the service review, the questions are best referred to the project team at the council.
“If Council chooses to consider Option 2 or Option 3, some roles will be impacted,” the factsheet said.
“Staff consultation will commence immediately and this feedback will be presented to Council at a further meeting in August for a final decision.”
