SCHOOLS — COMMUNITY KINDERGARTENS

670. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Education and Training:

(1)  Has the Government raised the threshold for community kindergartens to receive an operating grant and staff from 10 enrolments to 16?

(2)  If yes to (1), why?

(3)  Are community kindergartens required to reach the threshold of 16 enrolments before the start of the school year?

(4)  If yes to (3), by what date are they required to have 16 enrolments?

(5)  If yes to (3), why?

(6)  Will the Minister please provide a list of the community kindergartens currently operating, and the number of students who attend each kindergarten?

Hon Sue Ellery replied:

(1)  Yes.

(2)  The increase in the enrolment threshold will bring the average per-child cost of Kindergarten provision in community kindergartens to a level closer to the average per-child cost of Kindergarten provision in public schools.

(3)  Yes.

(4)  The closing date for Kindergarten enrolments for all public schools and community kindergartens is 20 July 2018. Community kindergartens are required to provide confirmed enrolments for the following year by 10 August 2018, three weeks after the closing date for enrolments. Where a community kindergarten has fewer than required projected enrolments, the Department will consider an extension on a case-by-case basis. This is normal practice.

(5)  This allows time for families to plan and make arrangements for the following year. Where community kindergartens do not meet the enrolment threshold, this allows sufficient time for parent management committees to consider their options, and for parents to make alternative arrangements for their children. The Department has obligations to its staff to confirm employment arrangements in a timely manner.

(6)  2018 Community Kindergartens and Enrolments