Statement from Mayor Kris Bolam JP: A Fairer Kindergarten System

Published on 09 December 2025

Frankston City Council has listened to the community feedback and is taking action to improve the kindergarten registration process. 

At the Council meeting on 11 August, we received a petition with 468 signatures calling for enhancements to the current system, including continuity of programs at the same location, expanded sibling priority, and multiple preference options. In response, Council endorsed a review through the Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP), which included a comprehensive survey of families registering for three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs in 2025 and 2026. 

The survey, completed by 483 respondents, confirmed what families value most: 

• Continuity of attendance from three-year-old to four-year-old kindergarten at the same location 
• Priority for Frankston City Council residents 
• Expanded sibling priority (up to three years) 
• The ability to nominate multiple kindergarten preferences 

Following this feedback, Council has implemented significant improvements: 

• A streamlined and officially endorsed Kindergarten Central Registration Protocol has been developed as the single source of information for families 
• Continuity of programs at the same location is now a key priority 
• Sibling priority has been broadened from two years to three years 
• Families can now nominate up to three kindergarten preferences 

These changes will deliver a more transparent, fair, and family-friendly process. Council will continue to review the Kindergarten Central Registration Protocol annually to ensure it remains responsive to community needs. 

As an educator, I understand the critical pedagogical value of stability—particularly during the formative years of a child’s learning journey. Consistent and familiar environments provide the foundation for confidence, security, and optimal development. 

Thank you to the residents who vigorously raised these concerns. Your views have been heard, and together we have achieved a positive outcome that will guide us forward. 

Respectful, fact-based grassroots community advocacy will always achieve more than campaigns built on negativity and misinformation. In this case, the parents and kindergarten community have done their cause proud—and we’ve listened and acted accordingly. 

Kindergarten Upgrade Works Underway 

Furthermore, Council is pleased to provide an update on several major kindergarten upgrade projects currently in progress. The $15.45 million worth of projects are funded through the Building Blocks Partnership between Frankston City Council and the Victorian Government. 

Baden Powell Kindergarten – Frankston South  

The upgraded Baden Powell Kindergarten is now complete and open. The redevelopment has transformed the facility from one room to three kindergarten rooms, increasing capacity from 28 places to 99 places. The new building also includes a beautifully designed outdoor play space, an allied health consultation room, and improved parking. This project was delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government under the Building Blocks program. 

Seaford Place (formerly Seaford Child, Youth & Family Centre) – Seaford 

Works are almost completed to redevelop Seaford Kindergarten into the new Seaford Child, Youth and Family Centre. The existing building has been demolished and replaced with a modern facility featuring two kindergarten rooms, two maternal and child health consultation spaces, a youth activity room, and community spaces. Once complete, the centre will accommodate up to 66 children at a time, more than doubling its current capacity. Completion is expected by late 2025, with the new centre opening for the 2026 kndergarten year. 

Langwarrin Place (formerly Langwarrin Child and Family Centre) – Langwarrin

Construction is well underway on the Langwarrin Child and Family Centre, which will deliver three purpose-built kindergarten rooms providing 99 places, upgraded outdoor play areas, and two maternal and child health consult rooms. This integrated facility will also include community spaces and programs. The project is scheduled to open in February 2026 and will meet growing demand for kindergarten places in Langwarrin. 

During this body of work, Council undertook community engagement to determine official new names for both Seaford and Langwarrin and is pleased to announce Seaford Place and Langwarrin Place as the new names of the buildings. These have now been formally gazetted under the Geographical Place Name Act 1998 and Council have received the notice of registration for each one.  

These upgrade works are part of our commitment to expanding access to early years education and improving facilities for local families. 

To learn more, visit: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Kindergartens.