New era for long-term kindergartens
Horsham North and Roberts Avenue kindergarten programs will be transferred to the Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub in 2018.
The programs will combine to form a new kindergarten service offered from the hub.
Horsham District Kindergarten Association will run early years services at the hub when it opens next year.
Association executive officer Pauline Butler said her organisation was excited about the opportunity to secure its programs into the future.
“Although we are sad to see the closure of these long-serving kindergartens, we are also excited about the opportunity it provides for us,” she said.
“It was not a decision that we made lightly, but we all agree it is the best way forward for our organisation, and most importantly, the community we serve.”
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Pam Clarke said the existing kindergartens would move out of ageing buildings into the new, purpose-built facility.
“The current buildings for Horsham North and Roberts Avenue kindergartens require costly annual maintenance and have very little room for expansion,” she said.
“The new facility at Kalkee Road features underfloor heating, light-filled and open spaces and a natural play space. It will be a wonderful space for these programs.”
Cr Clarke said the appointment of HDKA came after the need for long day care services in the region was significantly reduced by the opening of two new childcare centres in Horsham last year.
She said the decision signalled a change in the delivery of kindergarten services for Horsham.
“The partnership between HDKA and council is certainly an exciting one and we are very much looking forward to seeing the benefits of that in the kinder programs at the hub,” she said.
“HDKA will run both three and four-year-old kindergarten programs, after kinder care and speciality programs such as bush kindergarten and a sustainability program.”
The hub will also be home to the council’s maternal and child health service, toy library, supported playgroups, parents groups and other early intervention services, enabling families to access many services in one location.
Cr Clarke said families wanting to enrol at Horsham North or Roberts Avenue kindergartens in 2018 were invited to attend an information session about the proposed new kindergarten programs and new facility on Monday, July 24 between 7pm and 8.30pm at the Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart Street, Horsham.
Inquiries regarding the licensee arrangements can be made to Kevin O’brien, council’s director of community services on 5382 9743, or to Pauline Butler, HDKA executive officer, on 5382 7997.