Millgrove Community Preschool closes after staffing issues persist – Council supporting

Yarra Ranges Kindergarten Inc (YRK) has informed the Yarra Ranges Council that due to staffing issues, Millgrove Kindergarten will be temporarily closed.

The 17 children currently utilising Millgrove will remain at sister YRK kindergartens Warburton and Launching Place for the remainder of Term Three. 

YRK CEO Gaby Thomson said the decision came as a result of staff absence and replacement shortages June 2022, which left YRK unable to secure a Kindergarten Teacher for Millgrove Preschool to operate in Term Three.

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.

Mayor Jim Child said the Council shares the community’s concern about the temporary closure, noting 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 YRK are not exempt from the staffing shortages being experienced across Australia.” 

“Council knows these facilities are important for our community, which is why we’re working closely with YRK to find a solution to this staffing issue.”

The Mayor said the Council has “immense respect” for early-learning teachers, and that it takes “a unique set of skills to be a teacher, especially when you’re working with young children”.

“I’m hopeful that with the full support of Council, Yarra Ranges Kindergarten Inc are able to find the right staffing solution,” he concluded.