Yarra Ranges Kindergarten Inc (YRK) has informed Council that due to staffing issues, Millgrove kindergarten will be temporarily closed.
Council was notified in July and has been working with Yarra Ranges Kinders to relocate their early learning service.
CEO Gaby Thomson said that it is currently planned that all 17 children from Millgrove will remain at Warburton and Launching Place kindergartens for the remainder of term three.
“Due to staff absence and replacement shortages June 2022, Yarra Ranges Kinder Inc where unable to secure a Kindergarten Teacher for Millgrove Preschool,” Ms Thomson said.
“As a result of this staff shortage the 17 children from Millgrove Kindergarten were relocated to Warburton and Launching Place kindergarten services.”
Since being notified Council has been working closely with the early learning service provider to best meet the children’s early years needs and provide the best kindergarten experience for these children, during their important year of education.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said Council shares the community’s concern about the temporary closure and that neither Council or Yarra Ranges Kindergarten have plans for the ongoing closure of Millgrove kindergarten.
“Closing a classroom is not a decision made lightly, and unfortunately Yarra Ranges Kinders is not exempt from the staffing shortages being experienced across Australia,” Cr Child said.
“Council knows these facilities are important for our community, which is why we’re working closely with Yarra Ranges Kinder to find a solution this staffing issue.”
“We have immense respect for our early-learning teachers, and it takes a unique set of skills to be a teacher, especially when you’re working with young children, so I’m hopeful that with the full support of Council, Yarra Ranges Kindergarten Inc are able to find the right staffing solution.”
