Kindergarten Review Community Panel

Knox City Council needed to redesign its kindergarten service system in light of the Victorian Government reforms on access to free 3- and 4-year-old kinder. Capire was engaged to design and facilitate a deliberative engagement process, as part of Council’s kindergarten review.

Objectives and approach
A deliberative panel was formed to engage the community in a conversation about Council’s challenges and opportunities as a kindergarten service provider and early years manager. Capire advised Council on the design and distribution of an expression of interest form. A total of 29 panel members from diverse backgrounds were randomly selected. The panel was provided with:

• detailed information about Council’s current and potential future roles in ensuring Knox children can access quality kindergarten
• time to explore, discuss and debate the three options being considered by Council
• the opportunity to develop a statement about Council’s future role.

The panel deliberated over four sessions:

1. Exploring the issues
2. Confirming the issues and understanding options
3. Exploring and assessing the options
4. Developing recommendations for council.

Outputs
After in-depth deliberation, the panel provided Council with recommendations regarding the opportunities and challenges for each of the three options. This included an overall statement for consideration by Council when determining its future role in kindergarten services.

Participants rated the panel process highly: the evaluation found increases in feelings of community connection, positive relationship with Council, and trust that Council supports community involvement in decision-making.