Shire closes door on family day care MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has decided to stop providing family day care on the peninsula and in the Frankston area. The shire says “a steady decline in the service” has over the past five years coincided with the rising number of family day care providers in the market. Families using the “home away from home” service have been given 12 weeks to find alternative care for their children. “We are confident these [alternate] services will provide a varied choice for all educators when selecting a new provider to transfer to with little to no disruption to them or the families and the children they care for,” said an unattributed statement issued last Thursday by the shire. “All our educators and families have been notified and we are committed to supporting each educator to find a preferred provider to ensure a smooth transition for themselves and their families over a period of 12 weeks.” The shire it was “working on redeployment options” for its two children services officers. Late last week the shire’s website was still advertising its family day care services which “is exceeding the national quality standards”. The service provided “high quality home-based education and care option that is flexible and affordable”. Eligible families could claim government child care subsidies “to reduce the cost of care”. “Care is provided in the homes of our licensed educators and is designed to meet the needs of children and families,” the website stated. It said the shire was “committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of children”. “We can provide you with a home away from
home child care environment in a family home where children celebrate the magic of childhood in a quality education and care setting.” Day care could be arranged “24 hours a day, 7 days a week; including full-time, part time, casual, occasional care, weekend and overnight care, respite care, emergency care, before and after school care and school holiday care”. Transport could also be arranged to and from pre-school and school. “Our educators [who were given ongoing training and support] can provide your children with real community experiences by attending local library, music and play sessions.” Keith Platt
Calling facilitators SKILLED facilitators are being sought to help Mornington Peninsula businesses recover from the setbacks of COVID-19. Workshops organised by Mornington Peninsula Shire for micro and small businesses impacted by the pandemic include taking businesses online; building business resilience; commercialising new business ideas; growth capacity; raising revenue; staff; and best business practices. Facilitators need to have had practical experience in the workplace and delivering workshops. The workshops will be held online and will require facilitators to organise an online forum such as Zoom. Support offered by the shire includes marketing workshops on its business website as well as on social media and other networks. Bookings can be taken through Eventbrite. Facilitators need to contact the shire by Friday 23 April. Expressions of interest and details are at mornpen.vic.gov.au/workshopeoi
Picture: Gary Sissons
Park ingnited by artful dancing SPARK Youth Dance Company will perform its eight-dance Circuit Breaker in the grounds of McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery, Langwarrin on Friday and Saturday (9 and 10 April). Members of the audience will be able appreciate McClelland’s artworks in a new light as they move through the park to find and watch the dancers “explore themes of and beyond their
years”, director Alex Dellaportas said. The company’s dancers, aged 14 to 23, have been working together since February. Spark started in 2016, and its works have surprised and moved audiences with topical and emotive themes. Circuit Breaker tickets available at: www. sparkproductions.org.au/circuitbreaker
As the highest performing secondary school on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana College will continue to work tirelessly to develop and consolidate the many exemplary educational programs on offer. With outstanding facilities, a committed professional staff and a caring school community, students are challenged to explore their interests and talents to achieve their personal best.
Open Night Tuesday 27 April 2021 at 6.00pm ‘Lessons come from the journey …not the destination’ ‘A high performing provider of education on the Mornington Peninsula’
Tours available Tuesday mornings at 9:30am. Bookings online at www.dsc.vic.edu.au. 110 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Victoria 3936 Entry via Old White Hill Road
E: dromana.sc@education.vic.gov.au W: www.dsc.vic.edu.au
PH: 03 5987 2805
RESPONSIB IL ITY, R ESPECT, INTEGR ITY, PER SO N A L BE S T Southern Peninsula News
7 April 2021
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