Family Contribution

In 2023 the Victorian State Government announced a ‘Free Kinder’ program where kindergartens could decide to opt in or out. This program provides $2,500 per child per annum in lieu of kindergarten fees. At Bentleigh West Kindergarten our focus is to prioritise the best interests of our children and families. Therefore, we chose to opt in and save each family $2,500 per annum. 

​

As a community run, not for profit kindergarten we pride ourselves on providing a high quality educational program. Maintaining this commitment to excellence and innovation in early childhood education is our priority and in order to uphold the quality of our program, we will be asking families to make a voluntary contribution to cover the difference between the cost of our program and the government contribution.

​

We are grateful to our community for supporting us to protect the future of our program and the ongoing viability of Bentleigh West Kindergarten.

​

It is important for families to carefully consider the best time to enrol their child in 3YO kindergarten. Children are only able to repeat 3YO or 4YO kindergarten if "a child shows delays in at least 2 learning and development outcome areas from the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)". See https://www.vic.gov.au/additional-year-of-funded-kindergarten for more details. If a child’s birthday falls between January and April, the family can decide whether to enrol their child in the year they turn three or the following year. It is important to note that children can only attend our 3YO program once they have turned three and not before.

​​

Summary of 2027 Funding and Contributions:

 

3YO Group 

• 15 hours funded

• Family Contribution $200 per term or $800 per year

• Enrolment Acceptance Deposit (refundable once child commences at the service)*

• Excursion Levy $150

​

4YO Groups

• 15 hours funded

• Family Contribution $200 per term or $800 per year

• Enrolment Acceptance Deposit (refundable once child commences at the service)*

• Excursion Levy $150

​

*Enrolment Acceptance Deposit; This deposit will be transferred to your child's excursion payment for the year. If an enrolment deposit refund is requested, COM will issue a separate Excursion Levy as per our statement of fees. 

​

Summary of 2026 Funding and Contributions:

 

3YO Eucalyptus Group 

• 7.5 hours funded

• Family Contribution $400

• Enrolment Acceptance Deposit (refundable once child commences at the service)*

• Excursion Levy $75

​

4YO Banksia Group 

• 15 hours funded

• Family Contribution $800

• Enrolment Acceptance Deposit (refundable once child commences at the service)*

• Excursion Levy $150

​

4YO Wattle Group 

• 15 hours funded

• Family Contribution $800

• Enrolment Acceptance Deposit (refundable once child commences at the service)*

• Excursion Levy $150

​

*Enrolment Acceptance Deposit; This deposit will be transferred to your child's excursion payment for the year. If an enrolment deposit refund is requested, COM will issue a separate Excursion Levy as per our statement of fees. 

​

2025 3 & 4YO Statement of Contributions

​

If you would like further information in relation to this, please contact our Enrolment and Contributions Manager via admin@bentleighwestkinder.org.au

​

​

​