At the last Council meeting for the year-Dec 13-the following motion was passed unaminously. This was in response to a report I had requested in September for details of fees charged by surrounding councils and other providers in the municipality.
Even though some providers are yet to set fees enough data provided to Crs confirmed that Glen Eira was at the very high end on both accounts. This is a good outcome though to be frank Council should never have increased fees so early (June) or so high initially. Childcare will continue to be a challenging issue for Council!
In part B there are criteria that should be used when considering any future fee rises
URGENT BUSINESS
Crs Pilling/Tang
That a matter concerning Child Care fees be considered as an item of Urgent
Business.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.
(a) Child Care Fees
Crs Pilling/Tang
(a) That Council acknowledges the new staff/child ratios in childcare
centres commencing in Jan 2012 whilst improving quality of care will bring increased costs for both parents and childcare providers.
(b) That Council in determining appropriate long daycare fees considers the following criteria: cost to parents, costs to Council, the median fee range as charged by childcare providers in the municipality.
(c) That Council set from 1 January 2012 the following fee schedule for long day care at its three centres at 0-2yo $106 per day; 3-5yo $85 per day.
(d) That Council provides prompt notice of the fee changes to all participating families.
(e) That Council will continue to review childcare fees as part of its annual budget process.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously
Showing posts with label childcare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label childcare. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Issues to resolve - last Council meeting 13th Dec
The last normal Council meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday 13th December.
There are several long outstanding important issues that I will be pressing for a resolution and that have been the subject of many postings over the past almost six months.
Chiefly these are-
-The allocation for the usage of the new indoor basketball facilities at the soon to be opened Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
Councillors put a hold on the Expression of Interest process earlier in the year whilst seeking legal advice on the initial offer made to an out of municipality association. As reported widely, recently mediated talks have been conducted between the Oakleigh Warriors and the McKinnon basketball associations with a goal of reaching a satisfactory compromise.
Throughout this saga I have consistently stated and strongly advocated that any outcome must include access for all our local clubs.
-The concern at the very large increase in Council childcare fees set to be introduced in Jan 2012.
In September I requested a report that would rank the new Council fees against other providers. Until recently no other providers had released their 2012 fee schedules- all seemingly waiting for the minimum 30 day notice requirement before acting. With this timeline now passed I will look forward to this report being available at the December 13th meeting.
Councillors have been consistantly advised that Council fees are in the average range- it will be interesting to see if this is still the case!
There are several long outstanding important issues that I will be pressing for a resolution and that have been the subject of many postings over the past almost six months.
Chiefly these are-
-The allocation for the usage of the new indoor basketball facilities at the soon to be opened Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
Councillors put a hold on the Expression of Interest process earlier in the year whilst seeking legal advice on the initial offer made to an out of municipality association. As reported widely, recently mediated talks have been conducted between the Oakleigh Warriors and the McKinnon basketball associations with a goal of reaching a satisfactory compromise.
Throughout this saga I have consistently stated and strongly advocated that any outcome must include access for all our local clubs.
-The concern at the very large increase in Council childcare fees set to be introduced in Jan 2012.
In September I requested a report that would rank the new Council fees against other providers. Until recently no other providers had released their 2012 fee schedules- all seemingly waiting for the minimum 30 day notice requirement before acting. With this timeline now passed I will look forward to this report being available at the December 13th meeting.
Councillors have been consistantly advised that Council fees are in the average range- it will be interesting to see if this is still the case!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Council Meeting Tuesday 22nd Nov
At Tuesday night's meeting Council voted unaminously on the following three important issues - all were first time initiatives for Glen Eira with having been raised in previous posts on this blog. All Councillors deserve credit for their support.
item 9.6 Gambling Reform- the report on this item provided depressing statistics on the amount of losses in our municipality, $75m in 10/11. An alternative motion was supported which endorsed and advocated for poker machine reforms as recommended by the 2010 Productivity Commission report.
item 9.8 Take-a-Break childcare program an alternative motion was moved and supported which will provide full interim funding(approx $30k)for this much needed Community/Neighbourhood house childcare program in 2012- and included further measures to advocate strongly that the Fed/State govts reinstate their funding committments- This is the first time a council in Victoria has done this to prevent the program closing on Dec 31st.
item 9.9 GE Carbon Reduction Plan- approved the draft plan with some changes after recieving public submissions - A significant step forward by Council in reducing CO2 emmissions and responsding to the challenges of impending climate change.
Full minutes showing the details of these motions listed in the links section , bottom right.
item 9.6 Gambling Reform- the report on this item provided depressing statistics on the amount of losses in our municipality, $75m in 10/11. An alternative motion was supported which endorsed and advocated for poker machine reforms as recommended by the 2010 Productivity Commission report.
item 9.8 Take-a-Break childcare program an alternative motion was moved and supported which will provide full interim funding(approx $30k)for this much needed Community/Neighbourhood house childcare program in 2012- and included further measures to advocate strongly that the Fed/State govts reinstate their funding committments- This is the first time a council in Victoria has done this to prevent the program closing on Dec 31st.
item 9.9 GE Carbon Reduction Plan- approved the draft plan with some changes after recieving public submissions - A significant step forward by Council in reducing CO2 emmissions and responsding to the challenges of impending climate change.
Full minutes showing the details of these motions listed in the links section , bottom right.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Elsternwick Childcare Centre to close Xmas Eve
Unfortunately this very well used centre which for over twenty years has provided quality childcare for the families of the Elsternwick area will close on Xmas Eve.
Glen Eira Council ran the service in a facility leased from Alfred Health (Dept of Health). When the lease was called in early last year it was always going to be a battle to save this centre despite the high demand and waiting lists - To put it simply too many present Councillors supported by the administration just weren't interested in local govt playing a significant role in childcare. Add to this an unhelpful State Govt and the scene was set for this closure despite strong community opposition.
On the 3rd of August as part of a delegation from Council and with parents I met with the Health Minister Mr.Davis to explain the issue and seek clarification on the future of the site with the possibilty of crown land being made available for a new centre. The most telling point of the meeting was when the Minister asked Council what planning and provision had been undertaken for future childcare needs- The answer was an honest none.
Council and parents are yet to hear back from the Minister.
Certainly I'd like to pay tribute to the many parents who worked tirelessly to save this centre including the collection of a thousand signature petition in support. It was an honour and inspiration to work with them - All their efforts will hopefully be rewarded in the future.
Glen Eira Council ran the service in a facility leased from Alfred Health (Dept of Health). When the lease was called in early last year it was always going to be a battle to save this centre despite the high demand and waiting lists - To put it simply too many present Councillors supported by the administration just weren't interested in local govt playing a significant role in childcare. Add to this an unhelpful State Govt and the scene was set for this closure despite strong community opposition.
On the 3rd of August as part of a delegation from Council and with parents I met with the Health Minister Mr.Davis to explain the issue and seek clarification on the future of the site with the possibilty of crown land being made available for a new centre. The most telling point of the meeting was when the Minister asked Council what planning and provision had been undertaken for future childcare needs- The answer was an honest none.
Council and parents are yet to hear back from the Minister.
Certainly I'd like to pay tribute to the many parents who worked tirelessly to save this centre including the collection of a thousand signature petition in support. It was an honour and inspiration to work with them - All their efforts will hopefully be rewarded in the future.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Take-a-Break childcare funding cuts - consequences in Glen Eira
On the 28th June meeting Council received a report on the withdrawal of funding from Dec 31st for the Take-a-Break childcare program run by community and neighbourhood houses in Glen Eira and throughout the State. The below excerpts from the minutes of that meeting provide the background on this issue,
"The TAB occasional child care program is a State funded program which subsidises occasional child care.The funding is based on the average number of children attending and the number of hours of care offered.Occasional child care provides respite for parents and guardians of children agedfrom 0-6 years, enabling them to participate in a range of activities includingrecreational classes, activities, shopping, social events and voluntary communityactivities, whilst children are cared for in a registered child care service.
The TAB Child Care program is provided by approximately 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres throughout Victoria.
Funding Background
Until June 2010,the TAB program was jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments (40 / 60% respectively).In July 2010 the Commonwealth ceased funding the program and from July 2010the Victorian Government took over full funding for the program, approximately$1.9M.The 2011-12 State Budget has withdrawn funding for TAB occasional child care program effective from 31 December 2011.
In Glen Eira Six services receive TAB funding:
• Moongala Women’s Community House;
• Caulfield South Community House;
• Godfrey House;
• Murrumbeena House Occasional Care;
• McKinnon Occasional Care; and
• Caulfield Occasional Care centre;
These services provide care for over 300 children per week and will lose a total of $31,000 funding per annum.The TAB program assists in making occasional child care affordable. This service is used by many vulnerable families including those on low incomes, grandparent carers, and parents of children with a disability.
Services are anxious that the funding loss will result in either ceassation of service delivery or fee increase that will affect viability of the service.All service providers are concerned that the most vulnerable in the community will be impacted."
Comment: Unfortunately as with most inter govt funding issues it is the most vunerable in our community who miss out.The Federal and State govts should reinstate the Take-a-Break funding and Greens collegues at both levels are certainly advocating for this.
In the interim Council should place the interests of those in our community affected by the cuts above this dispute, fund the shortfall of $31k for 2012 whilst continuing to advocate strongly for full funding reinstatement.
"The TAB occasional child care program is a State funded program which subsidises occasional child care.The funding is based on the average number of children attending and the number of hours of care offered.Occasional child care provides respite for parents and guardians of children agedfrom 0-6 years, enabling them to participate in a range of activities includingrecreational classes, activities, shopping, social events and voluntary communityactivities, whilst children are cared for in a registered child care service.
The TAB Child Care program is provided by approximately 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres throughout Victoria.
Funding Background
Until June 2010,the TAB program was jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments (40 / 60% respectively).In July 2010 the Commonwealth ceased funding the program and from July 2010the Victorian Government took over full funding for the program, approximately$1.9M.The 2011-12 State Budget has withdrawn funding for TAB occasional child care program effective from 31 December 2011.
In Glen Eira Six services receive TAB funding:
• Moongala Women’s Community House;
• Caulfield South Community House;
• Godfrey House;
• Murrumbeena House Occasional Care;
• McKinnon Occasional Care; and
• Caulfield Occasional Care centre;
These services provide care for over 300 children per week and will lose a total of $31,000 funding per annum.The TAB program assists in making occasional child care affordable. This service is used by many vulnerable families including those on low incomes, grandparent carers, and parents of children with a disability.
Services are anxious that the funding loss will result in either ceassation of service delivery or fee increase that will affect viability of the service.All service providers are concerned that the most vulnerable in the community will be impacted."
Comment: Unfortunately as with most inter govt funding issues it is the most vunerable in our community who miss out.The Federal and State govts should reinstate the Take-a-Break funding and Greens collegues at both levels are certainly advocating for this.
In the interim Council should place the interests of those in our community affected by the cuts above this dispute, fund the shortfall of $31k for 2012 whilst continuing to advocate strongly for full funding reinstatement.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Council Childcare fees - report requested
At tonight's (Tuesday) Council meeting I requested a report on childcare fees detailing the following information-
a/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all childcare service providers in Glen Eira
b/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all surrounding Councils
c/ rankings of Glen Eira's childcare fees currently charged and our 2012 fee schedule against both the above criteria.
In the June budget Council passed the full increase of new staff ratios in 2012 onto parents.
As outlined in previous postings I spoke of the concern that our Council's fees next year will place us at the higher end of the market and not in the middle range as has been the case previously.
This may also be placing our local families in an increasingly more difficult situation in being able to afford and access council's childcare services.
I will look forward to recieving the reports findings
a/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all childcare service providers in Glen Eira
b/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all surrounding Councils
c/ rankings of Glen Eira's childcare fees currently charged and our 2012 fee schedule against both the above criteria.
In the June budget Council passed the full increase of new staff ratios in 2012 onto parents.
As outlined in previous postings I spoke of the concern that our Council's fees next year will place us at the higher end of the market and not in the middle range as has been the case previously.
This may also be placing our local families in an increasingly more difficult situation in being able to afford and access council's childcare services.
I will look forward to recieving the reports findings
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Council childcare fees to rise steeply
One of the significant price rises as passed in the recent Glen Eira 2011/12 budget was the steep rise in childcare fees as charged for those attending Council's centres.
The primary reason for these increases is the change in staff ratios in Victoria for 0-3 year old children from 1:5 to 1:4 to commence from Jan 2012 and are set out below;
• For 0–3 year olds from $85 to $91 per day (from 1 July to 31 December 2011)
• For 0–3 year olds from $91 to $116 per day (from 1 January to 30 June 2012)
• For 3–5 year olds from $79 to $85 per day.
Council took the view that the full amount should be passed onto families.
I advocated for a lesser amount as I felt other providers wouldn't pass on the full amount but instead absorb some of the cost leaving Council at the higher end of the market and not in a reasonable middle range of fees. This in turn would act as a deterrent to families utilising our excellent childcare service. Setting our fees so early before other providers added to this concern.
I will certainly be requesting a review of the fee situation as soon as a majority of providers have released their 2012 fee structure
The primary reason for these increases is the change in staff ratios in Victoria for 0-3 year old children from 1:5 to 1:4 to commence from Jan 2012 and are set out below;
• For 0–3 year olds from $85 to $91 per day (from 1 July to 31 December 2011)
• For 0–3 year olds from $91 to $116 per day (from 1 January to 30 June 2012)
• For 3–5 year olds from $79 to $85 per day.
Council took the view that the full amount should be passed onto families.
I advocated for a lesser amount as I felt other providers wouldn't pass on the full amount but instead absorb some of the cost leaving Council at the higher end of the market and not in a reasonable middle range of fees. This in turn would act as a deterrent to families utilising our excellent childcare service. Setting our fees so early before other providers added to this concern.
I will certainly be requesting a review of the fee situation as soon as a majority of providers have released their 2012 fee structure
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Open Day - Murrumbeena Playgroup this Sat 19th March
The Murrumbeena playgroup is one of the largest in our muncipality- it has been providing a great fun and safe environment for pre-school children to meet and play most days of the week for over thirty years, an achievement in itself!
My daughters and myself certainly enjoyed regularly attending the group a decade ago.
This Saturday the 19th from 10am to 2pm there will be an open day at the Community of Christ hall site-cnr Dalny and Poath rds Hughesdale which I will be very pleased to attend.
There will be refreshments ,stalls and plenty of enjoyable activities . Be great to see many past and present children and parents there.
My daughters and myself certainly enjoyed regularly attending the group a decade ago.
This Saturday the 19th from 10am to 2pm there will be an open day at the Community of Christ hall site-cnr Dalny and Poath rds Hughesdale which I will be very pleased to attend.
There will be refreshments ,stalls and plenty of enjoyable activities . Be great to see many past and present children and parents there.
Friday, March 4, 2011
update- Elsternwick Childcare Centre
from a press release dated Thursday 4th March
***-Glen Eira City Council has written to Alfred Health regarding its preferred options for the ongoing provision of child care in the Elsternwick area.
In May last year, Alfred Health informed Council that it would not extend the lease on the Kooyong Road building, which has been home to Elsternwick Children’s Centre for more than 20 years.
Glen Eira Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff said Council’s preference is for the Centre to remain open under the current lease arrangements.
"This arrangement has been working well for the last 20 years and Council would like to see it continue — as would the families who have and do currently utilise the centre," Cr Esakoff said.
"However, if Alfred Health is unable to commit to an ongoing lease then Council will seek to build a new childcare centre on available Crown land currently part of the Caulfield Campus of Alfred Health.
"Council believes a new purpose-built centre will not only provide a greater security of tenure, but an improved child care offering for the area."
Cr Esakoff said Council intends to discuss the availability of Crown land with Local Members of Parliament and Ministers.
"Assuming Crown land is made available, Council also intends to seek a commitment from Alfred Health that the current lease arrangement continues until such time as the new centre is built,"
Cr Esakoff said- ***
comment:
This is positive progress in resolving the present uncertain future of the centre. There are still significant hurdles to overcome though, chiefly securing available crown land for a new centre possibly in the north-east area of the Kooyong rd (Caulfield Hospital)site.
Also obtaining a 'bridging lease' that allows the present ECC to continue operating after Xmas Eve this year when the current lease is due to expire.
Local parents have advocated and campaigned strongly on how important this childcare service is to their community and I will continue to work hard to support an ongoing council-run childcare service in the Elsternwick area
***-Glen Eira City Council has written to Alfred Health regarding its preferred options for the ongoing provision of child care in the Elsternwick area.
In May last year, Alfred Health informed Council that it would not extend the lease on the Kooyong Road building, which has been home to Elsternwick Children’s Centre for more than 20 years.
Glen Eira Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff said Council’s preference is for the Centre to remain open under the current lease arrangements.
"This arrangement has been working well for the last 20 years and Council would like to see it continue — as would the families who have and do currently utilise the centre," Cr Esakoff said.
"However, if Alfred Health is unable to commit to an ongoing lease then Council will seek to build a new childcare centre on available Crown land currently part of the Caulfield Campus of Alfred Health.
"Council believes a new purpose-built centre will not only provide a greater security of tenure, but an improved child care offering for the area."
Cr Esakoff said Council intends to discuss the availability of Crown land with Local Members of Parliament and Ministers.
"Assuming Crown land is made available, Council also intends to seek a commitment from Alfred Health that the current lease arrangement continues until such time as the new centre is built,"
Cr Esakoff said- ***
comment:
This is positive progress in resolving the present uncertain future of the centre. There are still significant hurdles to overcome though, chiefly securing available crown land for a new centre possibly in the north-east area of the Kooyong rd (Caulfield Hospital)site.
Also obtaining a 'bridging lease' that allows the present ECC to continue operating after Xmas Eve this year when the current lease is due to expire.
Local parents have advocated and campaigned strongly on how important this childcare service is to their community and I will continue to work hard to support an ongoing council-run childcare service in the Elsternwick area
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Elsternwick Childcare Centre- to close?
The Elsternwick Childcare Centre (ECC) at 469 Kooyong Rd has been providing quality childcare for the community for the past 22 years on a site leased from Alfred Health (who run the Caulfield hospital)
Alfred Health gave notice last year of its intention not to renew the lease arrangement beyond Xmas Eve 2011 and is currently participating in a review of its Kooyong Rd sites.
This potientially means the closure of one of our four council-run community childcare centres.
These centres play an important role in providing quality , local childcare and providing an excellent choice for many parents. With waiting lists and few vacancies for childcare places in this area any withdrawal of council services from this sector would compound an already growing problem.
I have been advocating strongly over the past six months that council should do everything it can to secure the centre's future and in October seconded the following motion
"In order to ensure the continuity of childcare in Elsternwick and align Elsternwick Children’s Centre with Council’s other long day care centres, Council seek the assistance of state government to use all means available to enable the land at 269 Kooyong Rd Elsternwick (lots 3 and 4) to continue to be used as a childcare centre as it has for the past 21 years"
The Save Local Childcare group formed as a response to this situation and have been very active in highlighting the importance of and campaigning for the centres future.
Alfred Health gave notice last year of its intention not to renew the lease arrangement beyond Xmas Eve 2011 and is currently participating in a review of its Kooyong Rd sites.
This potientially means the closure of one of our four council-run community childcare centres.
These centres play an important role in providing quality , local childcare and providing an excellent choice for many parents. With waiting lists and few vacancies for childcare places in this area any withdrawal of council services from this sector would compound an already growing problem.
I have been advocating strongly over the past six months that council should do everything it can to secure the centre's future and in October seconded the following motion
"In order to ensure the continuity of childcare in Elsternwick and align Elsternwick Children’s Centre with Council’s other long day care centres, Council seek the assistance of state government to use all means available to enable the land at 269 Kooyong Rd Elsternwick (lots 3 and 4) to continue to be used as a childcare centre as it has for the past 21 years"
The Save Local Childcare group formed as a response to this situation and have been very active in highlighting the importance of and campaigning for the centres future.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Community Forum this Wed- early childhood services
Just a reminder that the Early Childhood Services Forum in Glen Eira I am hosting is on this Wednesday 21 st Oct from 1 to 3 pm at Parker Park rooms Leila Rd Murrumbeena -melways 68 J8
I have been very heartened by the response and encouragement received.
This should be a very informative and constructive afternoon. I believe our council does have an important role to play in the planning for and delivering of quality services and facilties in this area be it maternal health care , long day care , immunisation or kindergartons.
I am very pleased that Colleen Hartland MLC State Parliament has agreed to participate and speak.
Hope to see you there!
I have been very heartened by the response and encouragement received.
This should be a very informative and constructive afternoon. I believe our council does have an important role to play in the planning for and delivering of quality services and facilties in this area be it maternal health care , long day care , immunisation or kindergartons.
I am very pleased that Colleen Hartland MLC State Parliament has agreed to participate and speak.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Early Childhood Services Forum in Glen Eira - OCT 21
Planning a bright future for early childhood services in Glen Eira
Please join us for a forum on early childhood services that will bring together the local community, local councillors and state parliamentarian representation to discuss the needs of our community and how our council can work better in partnership to achieve this.
Guest speaker
Colleen Hartland
Victorian Greens MLC with responsibility for childcare
All Glen Eira councillors invited to attend
Wednesday 21st October 2009
1pm – 3pm
Packer Pack meeting rooms
Leila Rd,
Murrumbeena Melways 68 J8
Public transport: bus 627 along Murrumbeena Rd to Leila Rd stop ( St Patricks school ) then 7 min walk along Leila rd to Packer Park
Childcare available- please contact Neil on 0428 310 919 if required by 14/10
or for any further information.
Please join us for a forum on early childhood services that will bring together the local community, local councillors and state parliamentarian representation to discuss the needs of our community and how our council can work better in partnership to achieve this.
Guest speaker
Colleen Hartland
Victorian Greens MLC with responsibility for childcare
All Glen Eira councillors invited to attend
Wednesday 21st October 2009
1pm – 3pm
Packer Pack meeting rooms
Leila Rd,
Murrumbeena Melways 68 J8
Public transport: bus 627 along Murrumbeena Rd to Leila Rd stop ( St Patricks school ) then 7 min walk along Leila rd to Packer Park
Childcare available- please contact Neil on 0428 310 919 if required by 14/10
or for any further information.
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