We, the undersigned families and community members, respectfully request that ECMS reconsider the proposed transition to fully shared multi-age kindergarten rooms for the 2027 kindergarten program at Templestowe Valley Preschool (TVPS).

 

We value the dedication and professionalism of the educators and staff at TVPS and appreciate the important role they play within our community. Our concerns relate specifically to the organisational decision to move toward fully shared multi-age rooms and the process surrounding that decision.

 

Many families have significant concerns regarding the educational, developmental, and operational implications of combining 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs within shared learning environments.

 

WHY FAMILIES ARE CONCERNED

 

1. Different Developmental Needs

 

Three-year-old and four-year-old children are at notably different developmental stages socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Each stage comes with different needs, expectations and learning priorities, which is why many families value programs specifically designed around those developmental stages.

 

Younger children benefit from:

• predictable and secure learning environments

• smaller and age-appropriate peer groups

• routines tailored to early independence and emotional regulation

• opportunities to build confidence gradually

 

In contrast, four-year-old kindergarten programs place increasing emphasis on:

• school readiness

• independence and self-management

• structured learning experiences

 

Families are concerned that a fully shared multi-age model may make it more difficult to effectively cater to the differing developmental and educational needs of both age groups simultaneously. While also questioning why this approach is being pursued when there has traditionally been the opportunity to provide dedicated programs tailored specifically to each age group and stage of development. 

 

2. Emotional Wellbeing and Transition Concerns

 

For many children entering 3-year-old kindergarten, having a dedicated space and peer group is an important part of developing confidence, emotional security, and a positive transition into early learning.

 

Families are concerned that:

• younger children may become overwhelmed within a larger mixed-age setting

• quieter or less confident children may struggle to engage

• educators may face increased challenges balancing the varying support needs across both age groups

 

3. Impact on School Readiness

 

Families specifically chose a dedicated four-year-old sessional kinder program because  the value the important role this year plays in preparing children for the transition into school.

 

Families are concerned that within a shared multi-age model, the intentional focus traditionally placed on school readiness may become diluted across the broader developmental needs of both age groups.

 

Parents want reassurance that:

• school readiness outcomes will remain strong

• educational quality will not be diluted

• educators will be appropriately supported to meet both cohorts’ needs

 

4. Lack of Consultation and Communication

 

Families are concerned that this significant change appears to have been made by ECMS without meaningful consultation with current families or the broader kindergarten community.

 

Communication surrounding the proposed transition has been limited and, at times, unclear, leaving many families uncertain about:

• how the multi-age model will operate in practice
•  how educational quality will be maintained
•  how differing needs will be supported
• how class structures will be formed
• enrollment numbers and what this looks like across the different days

6. Unique facilities at TVPS

 

Templestowe Valley Preschool is one of the few remaining two-room sessional kindergartens within Manningham.

 

Unlike many services operating with more limited facilities, TVPS already has the physical space and infrastructure required to continue offering separate programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old children.

 

Families understand that the kindergarten sector is adapting to the Victorian Government’s increased kindergarten hour requirements. However, many believe the availability of two dedicated learning spaces at TVPS makes the move to fully shared multi-age rooms unnecessary.

 

WHAT WE ARE ASKING

 

We respectfully ask that ECMS:

• reconsider the decision to implement fully shared multi-age rooms for 2027
• retain separate dedicated learning spaces for 3yo and 4yo programs wherever possible
• undertake genuine consultation with current and future families
• provide clear and transparent communication regarding the reasons behind this decision, including the educational, operational and enrollment factors that have contributed to this decision
• provide a clear evidence-based explanation outlining the rationale for the change
•  explore alternative operational models that preserve age-appropriate learning environments

This petition is intended to encourage respectful, collaborative discussion focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families at TVPS.

 

Please sign and share this petition to support meaningful consultation and the preservation of age-appropriate learning environments at TVPS.