Central Kindergarten Enrolments
Frequently Asked Questions – 2016 enrolment offers
The purpose of the information below is to assist in answering queries relating to offers
generated by Council for 4 year old funded places in 2016.
Now that I have accepted a position what happens next?
Council will undertake three rounds of offers during term three. In early September 2015
Council will send each kindergarten a list of the name and addresses of children and their
families who have accepted a place at their kindergarten. The Kindergarten will then send
you information about groups, session times, fees, orientation programs and parent
information evenings.
What fees are charged?
Each Kindergarten within Banyule has its own fee structure and policy on fees. Information
about fees will be sent by the kindergarten to families who have accepted a place at their
kindergarten.
Fees for families who have a current Health Care Card are subsidised by the Department of
Education and Training (DET) and in most cases the fees are covered.
When will the rounds of offers be posted?
 Round One – Friday 17 July 2015
 Round Two – Friday 7 August 2015
 Round Three – Friday 21 August 2015
I enrolled in March 2014 and I did not get an offer for my first preference kindergarten
– why not?
More than half of the enrolments for 2016 were received during March 2014.
Places are allocated according to priorities set by the Department of Education and Training
(DET), which includes children who are at risk, children with additional needs and children
who require a second year of funded kindergarten.
Further vacancies will arise as families move out of the area, defer attendance until 2017 or
choose a place at a long day care centre.
Where am I on the waiting list for my first preference?
Unfortunately we cannot give a precise answer as the waiting list is constantly changing. At
this stage Council is unable to predict how many parents will accept the offer they have been
sent out in the early rounds of offers. There is a lot of movement between rounds of offers
due to family circumstances changing (e.g. moving in and out of the municipality) or
cancellations or deferments of kindergarten offers made.
If I add a second or third preference, will it affect my chance of getting an offer at my
first preference?
No – your child will still be considered for an offer irrespective of how many preferences you
have listed. Only list Kindergartens which you are willing to attend – please ensure that the
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program, fees and session times etc. are acceptable to you before you list a kindergarten as
one of your preferences.
Can I change my preference?
If you need to change your preference, then you need to contact Council’s Kindergarten
Enrolment Officer on 9490 4222 or [email protected]. You will be assigned
a new enrolment date and put on the waiting list for future rounds of offers.
Which Kindergartens offer long sessions?
With the introduction of 15 hours of funded 4 year old kindergarten, some kindergartens are
offering sessions up to 7.5 hours per day. It is best to check with your preferred Kindergarten
as Council does not necessarily have up to date information from the Kindergarten about
what they are planning to offer in 2016.
Majority of Long Day Care Centres within Banyule also offer 15 hours of funded 4 year old
kindergarten. Please refer to the list of centres on Council’s website to contact them directly.
My child might need extra help at kindergarten, what should I do now?
It is important that you make an appointment with the kindergarten teacher as soon as
possible. The teacher will be aware of opportunities to apply for funding that you may be
eligible for and will also be able to, with your assistance, develop a program that will best suit
your child’s needs.
When can I decide to defer to 2017?
It is best to make that decision as soon as possible. Kindergarten Teachers and MCH nurses
will be happy to provide advice. If you defer you will retain your original enrolment date for
2017 and therefore you should get an offer to your first preference Kindergarten.
Can I get two years of 4 year old funded kindergarten?
DET only funds children for one year of 4 year old kindergarten. A child who meets the strict
criteria for developmental delay in 2 or more domains of development, a second year of
funding application can be made. Just being immature or not ready for school will not meet
the criteria.
It is best to discuss this with the teacher at your preferred Kindergarten. The preliminary
discussions between Kindergarten Teachers and families should occur in Term Two of the
child’s first year of funded 4 year old kindergarten.
My child was born in November or December 2011 – can I defer their attendance to
2017?
You can defer, but you should speak with your kindergarten teacher before you make this
decision. You will need to contact DET to complete an “exemption from the age entry
requirements for school due to attending a funded 4 year old kindergarten program” form.
What are the ratios for 2016?
From 1 January 2016, ratios for children aged between 36 months to preschool age will be
lowered from 1 Educator to every 15 children to 1 Educator to every 11 children.
The ratio changes were agreed to by National and State Governments to improve outcomes
for all children in line with the implementation of the National Quality Framework (2012).
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