Surf Coast Shire to suspend all kindergarten services from end of Tuesday

THE Surf Coast Shire council has revised its decision of yesterday and suspended its kindergarten terms from the close of today, after the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns led to significant drops in attendances, and to support council staff.

Occasional Care services have also been suspended.

On Monday, in a video update posted on its website, Surf Coast mayor Rose Hodge said the shire, guided by advice from Victorian health authorities, it would keep its kindergartens in Torquay, Winchelsea, Lorne, Anglesea and Jan Juc open until Friday, March 27.

Less than 24 hours later, circumstances forced the council to close its kinders.

“We have opted to revise that decision based on the low attendance numbers and also in consideration of our staff in these circumstances,” shire chief executive officer Keith Baillie said.

“All families have been informed. We are unable to say when the kindergartens will re-open but we will keep families updated as this situation continues to evolve.”

The council will provide credits on fees already paid for the duration of the suspension period.

The council’s Family Day Care services are continuing.