FAQs
When will this proposed facility be built?
There is no time frame confirmed for construction of an integrated Early Years facility in the Northern part of Kingston. What we do know is that from 2022 there will be increased pressure on our existing sessional kindergarten facilities, as funded 3-year old kindergarten is introduced. This demand for kindergarten is expected to intensify over time as the available hours of subsidised education increases and our population grows.
Where will this proposed facility be built?
As yet a site has not yet been confirmed for the proposed facility. Factors such as public and private transport access, ease of access, proximity to other services, residential & commercial developments, existing property and community preferences will need to be assessed in detail.
Why is Council doing this project?
Our ongoing review of the Kingston community tells us that there will be a significant increase in population in the suburbs of Highett, Moorabbin and Cheltenham over the next 15+ years. This increase in population will have a particularly high proportion of young families (with children aged 0 – 4 years). We also understand that families want choices when selecting a kindergarten program for their children and it is important that there are adequate facilities and options available to support the roll-out of state government funded 3-year old kindergarten by 2029.
Why are you consulting on kinder services again?
Earlier this year we consulted with the community on how they would like to access kindergarten services across Kingston - thanks to everyone that provided feedback!
In this consultation we would like to understand what is important to the local Moorabbin, Highett and Cheltenham community when selecting a kindergarten facility.
What services will be in this proposed facility?
We are currently considering a range of services that would be compatible with an Early Years facility. As a starting point, integrated facilities usually include both sessional kindergarten and maternal and child health services.
Who will have access to the proposed facility?
Access to the services within the facility will be guided by standard eligibility criteria, such as the Victorian State Government Kindergarten Funding Guidelines and the City of Kingston's Central Registration Scheme (for sessional kindergarten).
Will there be transport access to the proposed facility?
A site for the proposed facility has not yet been determined. However, the importance of transport access is an element we hope to learn more about through this consultation process.
Will other kindergarten services in the area be closed as a result of the new facility?
There are no plans to close any existing facilities. We know that we need to increase the number of sessional kindergarten places available for the children within our communities, which is why we are looking to build an integrated facility in addition to the facilities already in operation.