Council is working to find solutions for Brighton families following the difficult news that Crossway Preschool will be closing at the end of 2025. Crossway pre-school is a church owned facility located at 40 Outer Crescent Brighton.
Crossway Preschool is staffed and operated independently of Council, however it participates in Council's central registration and enrolment scheme.
We understand that families have received communication regarding the closure decision from the kindergarten, and we recognise the stress and uncertainty this brings to our community.
Council is liaising with the Department of Education and the preschool service to explore possible solutions. We want to reassure families that we are committed to navigating this situation together.
The Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life policy is creating a surge in demand for kindergarten places throughout Bayside. The "free kinder" program is also placing significant financial pressure on early years services.
While Council in the past has provided early years facilities, unfortunately we cannot finance or deliver the State Governments program in a rate-capped environment with increased expectations of housing and population growth due to state government planning reforms. The Victorian Government needs to provide Bayside families with fair access to quality early years services, just like other families across Victoria.
Council remains dedicated to advocating on behalf of our families to ensure our youngest residents have the best possible start in life
