Kindergartens play an important role in Bayside—supporting children to learn, grow and begin their formal education, while helping families form connections and build community. With a growing population and increasing demand for early years services, we are seeking feedback to better understand how local families access kindergartens and what matters most to them. Your insights will build a clear picture of community needs and guide Council’s future planning and advocacy.

Parents, carers, educators, early years providers, and community members are encouraged to share their experiences. Every response helps us understand current needs, pressures and priorities.

Bayside’s kindergarten system is under significant pressure due to a combination of population growth, infrastructure constraints, and changes introduced through Victorian Government (Best Start Best Life) reforms.

1. Rising demand for kindergarten places

• Demand has increased since the introduction of free 3‑ and 4‑year‑old kindergarten, and enrolments continue to grow.
• Without major investment, Bayside is projected to face a ~25% shortfall in kindergarten places by 2036.
• A 19% increase in Bayside’s 3–4‑year‑old population is expected between 2024 and 2036 (around 400 additional children).

2. Limited and ageing kindergarten infrastructure

• Council manages 14 community kindergarten buildings, but does not operate the kindergarten programs.
• Many of these facilities are ageing, single‑room buildings that will not meet future service delivery requirements under the Best Start Best Life reforms.
• Significant investment in new or expanded facilities is required to support expected demand.

3. Impacts of Best Start Best Life reforms

Victorian Government reforms will be fully implemented by 2036 and include:

• 15 hours of free kindergarten for 3‑year‑olds
• A transformed pre‑prep program for 4‑year‑olds providing up to 30 free hours per week
  These reforms will increase the number of hours families are eligible to access.
• A 25–30% reduction in available kindergarten places
• A shortfall of places across the municipality by 2036.

Without new and upgraded infrastructure, Bayside is expected to experience:

4. Growing suburbs and external projects increasing demand

• Population growth driven by new families moving into Bayside is already straining existing facilities.
• Major Victorian Government initiatives—such as the Suburban Rail Loop and new Activity Centre catchments—are expected to significantly increase demand.

No. Council provides and maintains the buildings, while independent early years providers operate the services.

Funding for early years education is the responsibility of the Victorian Government.

While Council doesn’t deliver kindergarten programs, we do provide the infrastructure that enables some kindergartens to operate. To plan responsibly - and to advocate effectively to the Victorian Government - we need up‑to‑date insights from families and service providers.

Most of Council’s 14 kindergarten facilities were designed before the shift toward expanded service hours. Many are single‑room centres that lack the capacity required under new service models. Investment is required to upgrade or expand these buildings to ensure they remain viable.

This consultation will help Council identify the priority areas for future investment and support strong advocacy to the Victorian Government for infrastructure funding.

You can help Council plan for appropriate early years infrastructure and services by taking part in this consultation.

We need to better understand:

• How local families use kindergartens
• Barriers to access
• Emerging needs or gaps
• Community expectations for future early years services.

You can participate by:

• Completing the online survey
• Asking a question through the Q&A tool
• Requesting printed materials or submit feedback via email or post
• Staying updated by clicking the +Subscribe button at the top of this page

Information you share will guide Council’s strategic direction, planning and advocacy.

Your feedback will:

1. Inform Council’s advocacy to the Victorian Government
2. Guide future planning and investment decisions for early years infrastructure
3. Help Council raise community awareness about potential shortfalls and infrastructure needs