Council’s three childcare centres were established at a time when opportunities for families to access childcare services were limited.

In the decades since, radical changes in government funding and policy led to substantial growth in childcare providers across the municipality.

The number of childcare places in Glen Eira has doubled since 2010 and increased from 3,966 places to 5,731 places since 2019 – an increase of 44 per cent There are a further nine centres now in the planning phase that will have the capacity to offer 919 more places.

A service review found our centres provide quality care and we have excellent educators, but our older buildings are no longer fit for purpose and are not equipped with modern contemporary services that meet the expectations of many prospective families, such as adequate kitchen facilities that allow us to provide cooked meals. In addition, the lack of flexible spaces does not allow for a broad range of educational and play opportunities.

Operating at 78 per cent capacity in 2022-23, the numbers at our centres keep going down while costs keep going up. Our centres are expected to operate at a loss of at least $570,000 each year.

Amid increasing costs and economic uncertainty, it is getting harder for councils to run services and we need to make responsible choices and provide value to all the community.

The Glen Eira municipality has a strong supply of childcare places that we have confidence will meet current and future demand. Council’s centres account for just 2 per cent of the childcare places in the municipality.

Reflecting the changing childcare landscape, Council has made a preliminary decision to close its three small Early Learning Centres in Caulfield, Carnegie and Murrumbeena. We are now consulting those who would be most impacted - staff, families and the broader community - before a final decision is made by the end of the year.

Consultation period has now ended.

Online through the survey below.

Email your submission to engagement@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Post a written submission to Community Engagement team, Glen Eira City Council, PO Box 42, Caulfield South, VIC 3162.

This webpage is for the Glen Eira community to have their say. If you are a current user of Council's childcare service, please complete our survey for families using the password you have received by email.