Families will no longer have to pay an application fee when enrolling their children at Hume council-run kinders, with the move eliminating financial barriers to access.
At the council meeting on December 9, councillors adopted the kindergarten central registration policy to implement several changes in the enrolment process.
According to a report tabled at the meeting, the redeveloped policy paves way for the removal of paper-based registration, swapping it with an online system.
It has also slashed the $17.50 application fee, which the report said, is a “barrier for families to access kindergarten and aligns with the state government’s free kindergarten reform”.
“The adoption of the policy will allow for equitable access to kindergarten for all families including those that are vulnerable and those from culturally and linguistically diverse families,” the report added.
Councillor Karen Sherry echoed the sentiment.
“The application fee was a barrier to some families, particularly in the tough times that we’re facing lately with the cost of living crisis,” she said.
“I’m also pleased to say that for people who have difficulty accessing the online system, support will be provided as well in accessing that system.
“The kindergarten policy has been streamlined for better access all round.”
Prealene Khera
