Why parents are picking private and independently-run kinder services over government centres

Parents are choosing to pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to send their children to private kinders instead of free government ones. See what Victoria’s most exclusive kinders are costing parents.

Wesley College early learning centre students Lucy, Tommy and Sofia. Picture: Ian Currie

Parents are opting to pay thousands of dollars a year to send their child to an independently-run kinder, despite more preschools offering the state government’s free kinder program.

While subsidised care is still the top preference among parents when choosing a kinder for their child, KindiCare Demand Index data shows private not-for-profit and some independent school-operated centres have gained popularity in the past 12 months.

Not-for-profit centre Colchester Park Preschool in Boronia was the most in demand early learning facility, followed by council-run centre Manor Lakes Kindergarten in Wyndham Vale and private non-profit kinder Cherry Crescent Preschool in Braybrook.

Independent-run Northwest Montessori Preschool – where fees are estimated to be a minimum of $19,771 for 48 weeks annually – was the 7th most popular kinder, followed by private non-profit centre Civic Kindergarten in Middle Park.

A total of 11 private not-for-profit centres made the top 20 in demand preschools, as well as two independent school kinders including St Michael’s Grammar School Early Learning Centre in St Kilda, which ranked 16th.

The data was based on stand alone preschools as well as kinders that offered sessional programs, but excluded approved centres in long day care settings.

Australian Catholic University Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Birth to Five Years (Accelerated) course co-ordinator Dr Victoria Minson, said there were multiple practical and social reasons why parents chose to pay more to send their child to a private or independent school-run preschool.

These factors included convenience, securing a spot in the private school that operates the kinder, providing continuity for their child, family history and the programs and facilities on offer.

“A lot of private early learning centres attached to private schools also use a combination of the standard Early Years Learning Framework and the International Baccalaureate primary years programme (IB PYP) – an internationally recognised curriculum,” she said.

“This could appeal to families who may be transient or from other countries as they can send their child to an IB kinder and then if they go to another country, there will still be the IB curriculum.”

One independent-school run kindergarten that offered the IB PYP was Wesley College’s Early Learning Centre.

The school’s head of junior school St Kilda Rd campus Sabeena DeBono said 190 full and part-time students were enrolled in three and four-year-old kinder across Wesley’s three metropolitan campuses, where fees were approximately over $23,000 annually for a full-time student.

“From STEM to art, music, dance and the foundations of literacy and numeracy, Wesley’s approach to early education ensures our young learners start school with confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning,” Ms DeBono said.

“Our educators are highly skilled and passionate. (They) engage children’s curiosity through our inquiry-based approach that is stimulating and challenging.”

Parents Anna and Simone Bartolini moved their daughter Sofia from a funded kinder to Wesley’s Early Learning Centre as they were after a preschool that focused on children’s “all-rounded development”.

“What we loved about Wesley, since the very beginning, was the human approach, the values, the principles, and the IB mission – a true education with the intention to develop conscious little humans in a conscious world,” Ms Bartolini said.

“The concepts, knowledge and confidence (our daughter) integrated throughout the year, following thoughtful programs, were extraordinary.”

Wesley College student Sofia with her parents Simone and Anna Bartolini. Picture: Ian Currie

Independent schools that offer more expensive kinder programs include Methodist Ladies College at $39,660 per year, Preshil at $31,350 per year and Carey Baptist Grammar School at $30,064 per year.

While independent schools can offer a range of benefits, Dr Minson said parents should consider all forms of kinder when making their decision.

“Public kinders are typically more accessible to families with financial barriers and can be more diverse,” she said.

“There are many public services that have very high ratings … not just a particular section of the sector.”

KindiCare founder and chief executive Benjamin Balk said it was important that parents “look at all their options to suit their families needs and budget, and importantly, ensure that the kinder and school readiness programs on offer give their kids a great start to their primary education.”

A Victorian Government spokeswoman said “approximately 97 per cent of funded kindergarten services are delivering a Free Kinder program (this year), benefiting up to 140,000 Victorian children”.