MorelandEarly Years Strategy

2011 – 2015

November 2010

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AcknowledgmentThe Moreland Early Years Strategy has been developed with the assistance of Meredith Carter and Associates, Social Policy Consultants.

ContentsForeword from the Mayor 4Executive Summary5Creating a Child and Family Friendly City 6Recruiting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce 61. Introduction 71.1. The Moreland Early Years Strategy 71.2. Why focus on the Early Years? 71.3. Guiding Principles 81.4. Highlights of the 2004-2008 Early Years Strategy 102. Moreland’s Children 132.1. Infant nutrition 132.2. Child Development 142.3. Health Issues 152.4. Indigenous Children 153. Policy Context: What developments are occurring in Early

Childhood policy? 173.1. Federal Government173.2. State Government 173.3. Local Government 193.4. Moreland Council Policies and Plans 204. What are the emerging early years issues in the community? 244.1. A sustained increase in births 244.2. Access to services and opportunities 244.3. Workforce Shortages 244.4. Infrastructure Constraints 254.5. Partnerships and Integration 264.6. Planning for Universal Access to Kindergarten 274.7. Quality Regulations, Learning Frameworks and Transition to School

274.8. Inclusion for all Abilities 284.9. School Holiday Programs 294.10. Options to be Active 29Appendix One 31Appendix Two 34Early Childhood services 34

Foreword from the Mayor

I am pleased to present the Moreland City Council Early Years Strategy 2011 – 2015. The early years of a child’s life are profoundly important and lay the foundations for the rest of their life. A child’s life chances can be altered positively or negatively by their early year’s experience. Investment in early childhood services yields long term benefits. All infants and children deserve the best possible start in life.

Moreland Council will plan and facilitate environments and provide support to families and communities to nurture the growth, development, participation and overall wellbeing of Moreland’s infants and children.

Council recognises that it has a significant role to play in partnership with families, service providers, the community and State and Federal Governments in Leadership, Planning and Coordination, Advocacy and Facilitation, Strengthening Community Capacity and Provision of Services and Facilities.

Council aims to create an environment where children and their families experience a culture around them that is welcoming, stimulating and safe and where a range of appropriate, high quality services can be accessed. This Early Years Strategy sets out the priorities for action by Council to achieve this vision over the next five years.

Cr Oscar Yildiz JP

Mayor

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Executive SummaryCouncil is keen to promote the participation and interests of its youngest citizens in the process of becoming a more explicitly family and child friendly city. The Strategy is informed by the Child Friendly Cities framework developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to guide the development of this vision.

Quality services are important. The Strategy recognises that the early years service system across the state and nationally is facing significant challenges. The increasing evidence of the importance of the early years to the wellbeing of children themselves, their families and the broader community is generating major changes in thinking about what services are needed and how they should be provided. These new ideas have led to new national and state policy directions and reforms to regulatory and quality requirements. Ultimately it is anticipated that these reforms will lead to improved outcomes - infants and children and their families should experience better health, care and education.

Demographic changes, including an unprecedented increase in the birth rate are placing increased demand on existing services, already under stress due to ageing infrastructure and workforce shortages. New models of service delivery and practice are arising that include much greater emphasis on integrated services to deliver more holistic responses to the needs of young children and their families.

The priorities identified in the Early Years Strategy will help position Council and its partners across the municipality to respond well to all of these challenges. In shaping the Strategy, Council has paid close regard to Commonwealth and State Government early years policy directions and programs. These policies and programs provide the broader context for many of the initiatives Council will adopt. Partnerships with these other tiers of government, with the community and other agencies and service providers within Moreland will be vital to realising the full potential of the Strategy.

The Strategy’s key themes are:

Population Outcomes Service System Performance Improve the wellbeing, health and

education outcomes of Moreland’s children

Creating a child and family friendly city

Developing an integrated and effective early years service system

Recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce

While the focus of the Strategy is on infants and children, its successful implementation relies heavily on a combined commitment by the whole of Council, our key partners and the wider community.

What are Moreland’s Strategic Priorities for the Early Years?Future strategic directions and key priorities for Council draw together new initiatives as well as actions proposed in existing Moreland policies and plans that are particularly relevant to the Early Years Strategy.

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Improve the Wellbeing, Health and Education Outcomes of Moreland’s ChildrenStrategic Objectives:

Promoting healthy parent/child attachment to enhance the psychological wellbeing of children and families;

Enhancing the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children; Focusing attention and resources to children and families that are vulnerable

and/or high risk, those with a disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds;

Promoting healthy behaviours such as good oral health practices, healthy eating, positive social interactions and physical activity;

Promoting a culture of breastfeeding in the community; Promoting a culture of literacy and learning for all children; Advocating for funding to increase the capacity for existing services to provide

targeted interventions.

Creating a Child and Family Friendly CityStrategic Objectives:

Work towards becoming an infant and child friendly community; Continue to invest in new and existing infrastructure in partnership with

Government and community partners; Promote and expand inviting play and recreational spaces; Advocate for child friendly spaces in the municipality; and Provide access to networks that encourage people of all ages and life stages

to move around Moreland in a safe, enjoyable and sustainable manner.

Developing an Integrated and Effective Early Years Service System

Strategic Objectives: Ensure adequate provision of Early Years Services to meet community need; Continue to support and expand Council’s Family Day Care Service; Engage with other levels of government, peak bodies and other Northern

Metropolitan Councils to ensure optimal outcomes from policy reform; Develop and strengthen relationships with external early childhood services

and schools focusing on integration, coordination and access to services; Develop effective governance structures that enable movement of staff

between services and career pathways; Engage families and children in the design and evaluation of services; and Maintain and develop systems to inform planning for early years services.

Recruiting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce

Strategic Objectives: Promote effective models of support for early years staff to enhance

professional practice; Maintain and upgrade skills and knowledge of staff; and Develop Moreland as an employer of choice.

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1. Introduction 1.1. The Moreland Early Years StrategyThe Moreland Early Years Strategy identifies key priorities for the municipality for early childhood for the period 2011 – 2015. It builds on major achievements arising from the implementation of the previous Moreland City Council Early Years Strategy 2004-2008.

These achievements, often generated by partnerships between Council and other local agencies, are developments of which the Moreland community can be proud. It is important to ensure that these achievements are maintained.

The focus of the Early Years Strategy 2011-2015 is on children from birth to age 12 consistent with the parameters of state and national planning for early childhood; however many of its themes are also relevant to older children.

The Strategy has been informed by Federal and State Government policies; Moreland’s Community Profiles, Council Plans and policies.

Moreland has 148,000 residents and approximately 21,000 are children aged 14 years or younger.1 Moreland is one of the most densely populated localities in Melbourne and the population is growing.2 More than one third of Moreland’s population was born overseas, representing more than 150 countries3 while over 600 people identify as Indigenous.4 Our Indigenous population is particularly young with almost half aged less than 25 years compared to around one third of non-Indigenous residents.5

There are certain groups in the community that face significant disadvantage. Geographically there are areas of disadvantage in the north of the municipality. However, there are families throughout the municipality who face barriers to achieving optimal outcomes for their children.

1.2. Why focus on the Early Years?There is strong evidence that good nutrition, nurturing and responsive care in the first years of life, linked with quality early childhood development programs improves the outcomes for all children. In addition to physical development, over the years from birth to age eight an extraordinary level of brain development occurs. The impact of this development has an enduring effect throughout the rest of life including on an individual’s health, social and employment prospects.6

Research evidence also confirms that particular investments in the early years of children’s lives have significant benefits, both immediate and long-term for individual children, their families and for the broader community. This is especially true in terms of the difference the provision of effective and timely support and care can make for vulnerable children.7 Similarly early detection to assist children with developmental concerns or disabilities offers the best chance to maximise their potential.8

1 Moreland City Council (2010) Families and Early Years Profile prepared by the Communications & Research Unit, Moreland City Council. 2 Moreland City Council, Council Plan 2009-2013, p.73 Ibid.4 As at 2006 Census cited in Moreland Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan, 2008.5 Ibid.6 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving: Building on Victoria’s Achievements in Early Childhood Development, DEECD see esp. p. 8.77 For example the benefits of preschool education delivered by a degree-qualified teacher are especially dramatic for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sylva, K., Melhuish, E., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I. & Taggert, B. (2004) The effective provision of preschool education (EPPE) project: Final Report, DCSF/Institute of Education, University of London.88 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving, Op Cit., see esp. p.13.

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“There is a vast body of knowledge concerning the development of a secure attachment relationship between children and their caregivers. This research has clearly established the ongoing benefits to children, families and society that flow from early experiences of emotional security.” 9These include the development of resilience, rewarding relationships and improved intellectual potential. The Australian Association for Infant Mental Health believes that caregivers should strive to create secure attachment and professionals should encourage parents in this role.

Better understanding of the importance of early childhood development has in recent years led to a much greater focus at all levels of government, both internationally and within Australia on strategies to improve support for children and their families. Just one example is the clear evidence that supporting mothers to breastfeed has multiple benefits. Breastfeeding for at least six months not only enhances the early bonding between mother and child and is likely to be of continuing benefit in terms of child and adolescent mental health.10

Another example is the evidence of the difference quality preschool education programs make.11 The benefits to the productivity of the community as a whole are so compelling that the OECD recommended to our national Government that it ensures two years of early childhood education for all Australian children.12

At the same time, the way in which a community supports and nurtures its children can be seen as a cornerstone of a civil society.13 This is increasingly understood in Australia where the commitment to caring for and protecting all our children has been formalised through signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

1.3. Guiding PrinciplesCouncil is committed to ensuring the Early Years Strategy reflects the four principles in the Victorian Human Rights Charter of Respect, Freedom, Equality and Dignity.

The following principles have also informed the Early Years Strategy:

Respect for the unique needs of the infant; Respect for identity and individual circumstance and need; Respect for the rights of children and their participation in decision making; Commitment to the provision of timely, appropriate and accessible services; Commitment to professional collaboration in the interests of the child; Acknowledgement that early detection and intervention enhances outcomes

for infants and children; Acknowledgement that strong and supportive communities enhance the lives

of children and families; and A commitment to engage parents in their child’s learning and development.

A Vision for a Family and Child Friendly Moreland

The Moreland Early Years Strategy aims to ensure that as the population grows and the environment and service system develops, the city will become increasingly family and child friendly. That is, children and their families across Moreland will experience their city as more welcoming, stimulating and safe.

The Strategy utilises the Child Friendly City framework developed by the United Nations (UN) to guide the development of this vision over the next five years.

9 Ibid1010 Oddy WH, Kendall GEI, Li J et al (2009) The Long-Term Effects of Breastfeeding on Child and Adolescent Mental health: A Pregnancy Cohort Study Followed for 14 Years. Jpeds. Vol 156, Issue 4, 568-574.11 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving, Op Cit.12 OECD (2009) Economic Policy Going for Growth: Australia.13 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving, Op Cit., p. 2.

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What is a Child Friendly City?

A child friendly city is a local system of good governance committed to fulfilling children’s rights.

A child friendly city is actively engaged in fulfilling the right of every young citizen to:

Influence decisions about their city; Express their opinion on the city they want; Participate in family, community and social life; Receive basic services such as health care and education; Drink safe water and have access to proper sanitation; Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse; Walk safely in the streets on their own; Meet friends and play; Have green spaces for plants and animals; Live in an unpolluted environment; and, Participate in cultural and social events.

Source: UNICEF: http://www.childfriendly cities.org

The Child Friendly City concept promotes the idea of putting children first. This recognises that the wellbeing of children is an indicator of a healthy, well-governed society. A Child Friendly City strives to be a more liveable city for all members of the community. Research demonstrates that children want a safer and healthier environment for all. Anecdotally, it is clear that there are barriers to parents and children accessing services and opportunities in Moreland. It is these barriers that this strategy seeks to remove.

In essence the concept of a Child Friendly City involves acknowledging that just as the work of local government impacts on adults it also affects the lives of children. They too have a right to influence decisions that affect them. The concept holds a view of children as citizens and builds on both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child14 and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Victorian Government puts it this way:

Children are active and exploratory participants in society. It is important that their voices and needs are taken into account in the way we design and deliver services and construct our communities. 15

Child Friendly Cities try to create a culture of respect for the rights of infants and children to participate fully in all aspects of civic decision-making. Incorporating children’s views is not necessarily so different to incorporating those of adults. Listening to children does mean going beyond the spoken word and using a range of strategies so that children can express their ideas and preferences. The process of developing a new Early Years Strategy provides an opportunity to identify strategic actions and make progress towards creating a more family and child friendly environment across Moreland.

14 The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the rights both: to express their view on all matters affecting them and for their views to be taken seriously (Article 12); and to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through any media they choose (Article 13).15 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving, Op Cit., p15.

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1.4. Highlights of the 2004-2008 Early Years StrategyThe 2004 - 2008 Early Years Strategy provided a guide for planning, development and evaluation of early years programs, activities and facilities across all Council departments. It had two objectives:

1. To improve early childhood care, education and health outcomes for all young children and their families in Moreland

2. To improve access for all families with young children to the support systems they need

Below are some of the many achievements that arose from the 2004-2008 Early Years Strategy:

Children’s Portfolio EstablishedCouncil established for the first time a Children’s Portfolio under the responsibility of a nominated Councillor.

Infant ImmunisationMoreland achieves consistently high immunisation rates for example, infants at 12-15 months (93.6% vs. state average 92.1% in 2010).16

Going Home with Baby ProtocolsThis project put in place protocols to improve communication between hospital maternity units and the Maternal and Child Health (M&CH) Service to promote continuity of care for women leaving hospital with a new baby.

Breastfeeding Clinic The introduction of this self-referring Breastfeeding Clinic was an important initiative which has been highly successful and has been sustained as a key element within the Maternal and Child Health Service.

Maternal and Child Health Service ReviewA review of Moreland’s Maternal and Child Health Service was completed in 2008 following the evaluation of the Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service by the State Department of Human Services. Recommendations implemented during 2009 and 2010 included increasing the focus on professional development and training of the existing workforce and on opportunities to collaborate with and integrate with other early childhood services in Moreland.

Maternal and Child Health Ages and Stages Framework Council introduced this Framework supported by the State Government to provide an evidence - based monitoring program for children.

Addressing Family ViolenceThe impact of family violence on children is sometimes not always well understood but can have significant effects on the wellbeing of the child. The MOSAIC and MOVE projects involved Maternal and Child Health nurses engaging mothers in discussions aimed at identifying family violence.

Preschool Oral Health PromotionThe Smiles 4 Miles Award Program was an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) working in partnership with Merri Community Health Service and Moreland Maternal and Child Health Service to improve the oral health of the youngest children in the community. Melbourne University has subsequently joined the partnership to develop a project, Teeth Tales, which aims to improve the oral

16 Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, Data June Quarter 2010.

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health of children from refugee and migrant groups through help improve the access to dental services and other strategies.

Kindergarten ParticipationMoreland achieved a high rate of kindergarten participation with 94.7% of four year olds enrolled in 2009.17

Central Kindergarten EnrolmentDuring 2009, in collaboration with kindergartens, Council introduced a central enrolment system for four year old kindergarten. The development of the centralised enrolment system has improved access for families and provided data for Council to determine the actual demand for kindergarten places, enabling the more effective facilitation of service planning, lobbying and advocacy to be undertaken with state and federal governments.

Family Day Care and School Holiday Program AccreditationThese services achieved accreditation demonstrating the quality standards set by the National Child Care Accreditation Quality Assurance system.

Early Years InfrastructureOver recent years Council has made significant investment in centres for children and families including:

Building the Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre; Commenced building the $4m Community and Children’s Centre in

Gowanbrae in partnership with the State Government; Upgraded Robinson Reserve and Newlands Neighbourhood Houses,

including Maternal and Child Health services; Renovating and extending the Doris Blackburn Kindergarten in Pascoe Vale

South; and Renovating and extending the Dawson Street Child Care Cooperative in

Brunswick.

Inclusion SupportCouncil was a key partner in the establishment of the North Middle Melbourne Inclusion Support Agency with Darebin and Banyule Councils to assist child care services within the region to be inclusive of all children.

Children’s SummitsCouncil hosted two successful Children’s Summits with over 100 students representing 20 schools and many Council staff and Councillors attending. Debate at the summits ranged across many issues relating to the children’s health and wellbeing and the children’s vision for Moreland. Illustrations and artwork by preschoolers contributed their views.

Early LiteracyMoreland libraries offered the following services across the city:

Rhyme Time sessions for young children; Bookstart kit for all newborn babies in Moreland; Talks to new parent groups on fostering early literacy skills; Participation in the Premier’s reading challenge; Participation in the National Simultaneous Story Time for Literacy and

Numeracy Week each year; Presentations during Children’s Book Week including well known names such

as Mem Fox and Jeanette Rowe; and17 Moreland City Council, Capacity Report to DEECD: Municipal Planning for 15 Hours of Funded Kindergarten Information, April 2010.

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A Summer Reading club for children.

Open SpaceCouncil undertook the following:

The Moreland Open Space Strategy was developed and playground audits undertaken to ensure compliance with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Australian Standards;

Development of the Moreland Playground Strategy which guides provision and management of play facilities throughout the city;

Development of Harmony Park in Coburg which includes a skate park for junior and advanced skaters and an Access for All Abilities playground developed with funding assistance from the State Government;

Enhanced facilities at A.T. Cook Reserve Glenroy and a playground for toddlers and young children in Gowanbrae; and

Established automated toilets including change facilities in a number of Moreland parks.

Fun ‘n’ Healthy in MorelandPromoting active children with healthy eating habits at 24 local primary schools is the focus of this partnership. Merri Community Health Service and Deakin University are working in partnership with the local community of the City of Moreland on this flagship community development project.

Moreland Food Access ProjectCouncil was a partner in the steering group for this long term project which aims to ensure children their families and other local residents have access to healthy affordable food. The many partners in this project include Merri Community Health Service, such as Kildonan Uniting Care and the Moreland Community Legal Centre and other community services and businesses.

Coburg Garden Space The Coburg Garden Space established by Kildonan Uniting Care, has a role in health and nutrition by enabling children from local primary schools to learn about plants, food and the environment.

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2. Moreland’s ChildrenChildren in Moreland between birth and 14 years old represent 16.5% of the total population. Births in Moreland have increased by 28.86% since 2000/2001 with almost 80% of the rise occurring between 2006 and 2009.18 There were 2451 births notified in Moreland in 2009/2010. In 2009 and 2010 Moreland had the second highest birth rate in the Northern Region.19

The northern suburbs of Moreland are home to the greatest concentration of very young children (birth to age four) and older children (birth to age 14 years).20 The numbers push the proportion of children from birth to age 14 up to 19% of the total population of Coburg and 18% of Moreland’s suburbs further to the north such as Fawkner, Glenroy and Pascoe Vale21.

At both ends of the age spectrum Moreland’s citizens can be expected to have particularly high needs for community support services and health care. At 6.2% of the Moreland population the birth to four years age group is a significantly larger proportion than the proportion of senior citizens aged 85 years and over (1.8%) and is increasing faster.22

2.1. Infant nutritionThe World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that initiatives to support breastfeeding are particularly important along with the timely start of adequate, safe and properly fed complementary food.23 The proportion of babies exclusively breastfed at four months of age is one of Australia’s National Headline Indicators for children’s health development and wellbeing.24 Breastfeeding rates amongst mothers in Moreland have increased steadily since 1999. However there is a drop off rate of 30% after 2 weeks of age and nearly 50% at 6 months.

With support the rate of breastfeeding in Moreland could increase further. According to the WHO, breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding stimulates bonding with the person giving care as well as promoting child development. Improved nutrition and physical growth, reduced vulnerability to common childhood illnesses and better ability to cope with them have all been identified as related. Improved health outcomes in young children have long lasting effects throughout life including reduced risk of some diseases.25 Research findings also suggest that breastfeeding makes a contribution to children’s resilience and mental health that extends into at least adolescence.26

A statewide review of the Maternal and Child Health Service recommended tailored responses to the needs of groups vulnerable to poor rates of breastfeeding should be developed and maintained.27 A key strategic priority for this Strategy is to promote a culture of breastfeeding in the community.

18 Moreland City Council (2010) Families and Early Years Profile Op Cit.19 DEECD Maternal & Child Health Services Annual Report 2008-09 Northern Region, March 2010.20 Moreland City Council (2010) Families and Early Years Profile Op Cit. 21 Moreland North SLA includes Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and 20% of Pascoe Vale.22 Moreland City Council (2010) Community Profile Op Cit. shows the number of infants, birth – 4 years to have increased by 441 between 2001 and 2006 as compared to a 394-person increase in the number of senior citizens 85 years and over.23 www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/index.html24 State of Victoria (2008) Maternal and Child Health Service Key Ages and Stages Framework Handbook, DEECD, p.9.25 WHO & UNICEF (2007) Media Release 20 June, WHO and UNICEF call for renewed commitment to breastfeeding.26 Oddy WH, Kendall GE, Li J et al (2009) The long-term effects of breastfeeding on child and adolescent mental health: A pregnancy cohort followed for 14 years. Jpeds. Vol 156, Issue 4, 568-574.27? KPMG, Evaluation of the Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service for the State Department of Human Services, October 2006.

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2.2. Child DevelopmentThe Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) is a population scale that measures five areas of childhood development ranging from physical health and wellbeing (other than disability) to emotional maturity, social competence and communication skills. As a child enters school over 100 questions are used to build a picture of development to identify areas of potential vulnerability.28

Moreland has some of the most disadvantaged communities in Victoria. The proportion of children in Moreland who are considered highly vulnerable on at least one AEDI measure is one in ten and those vulnerable on two or more domains is one in five, representing children and families with high needs. 29

There are children with vulnerabilities across the municipality but they are not distributed evenly. In particular the AEDI data for the northern areas of Moreland reflects some areas of vulnerability and is comparable to AEDI data for the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities in Victoria.30 This reflects the generally high level of disadvantage experienced by some Moreland residents.31

Many children in the municipality are vulnerable in different ways. This may be because of environmental factors such as homelessness,32 or due to various forms of physical, mental or emotional vulnerability. Disabilities can be caused by a genetic condition, illness or accident. It can be difficult to provide accurate estimates of the number of children with a disability because of debates about how best to define disability. In addition, identification of disabilities in children even where a definition is agreed can be problematic. However, it can be inferred from national and statewide data that approximately 8% of children in Moreland have a disability.33

The North and Western Metropolitan Region generates 22% of all Child Protection notifications in the State. Children in out of home care are more likely to be at risk of behavioural and mental health problems than children in the general population.34

Effectively engaging with parents is critical for the promotion of child health. Early years professionals promote parenting skills and awareness amongst parents that they are the most important influence on their child’s early learning and development. They also raise general awareness of how important positive early childhood experiences are as a foundation for the rest of life.35

An essential element of improving the conditions under which families raise children is building supportive communities. This highlights the role and value of new parent groups, playgroups and supported playgroups in the wellbeing of young children and their parents.

28 The 5 domains measured by the AEDI are Physical health and well being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive skills; and communication skills and general knowledge.29 The proportion of children vulnerable on one or more domains of the AEDI is 20.2 for Victoria and also 20.2 for Moreland. The proportion of children vulnerable on two or more domains of the AEDI is 10 for Victoria and 10.1 for Moreland. These proportions put Moreland in the middle of the Northern Metropolitan Region with municipalities reflecting higher levels of vulnerability in both one and two domains and three municipalities showing lower levels of vulnerability in both one and two domains.30 Fawkner (AEDI = 17.2); Glenroy (17.4); and Hadfield (16.2). The percentage of children developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains of the AEDI in the most socio-economic disadvantaged communities in Victoria is 17.1. The percentage of children developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains of the AEDI in Fawkner = 17.2; Glenroy 17.4; and Hadfield 16.2.31 Scoring the highest on the SEIFA Index as well (Fawkner = 905.7; Glenroy 925.8; Hadfield 936.7 contrasting with for example Brunswick East 1031; Oak Park 1034.8; and Gowanbrae 1082).32 Around 21,400 children accompanied an adult to a service for the homeless in 2007-08 in Victoria. See Department of Human Services (2009), Homelessness 2020 Strategy: Discussion Paper, Office of Housing, p.3 33 See State of Victoria (2009) The State of Victoria’s children Op Cit, p.24.34 Ibid, p.9.35 State of Victoria (2009) Growing, Learning and Thriving, Op Cit. p.30.

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In addition, early years professionals often identify problems including developmental concerns that may not have been apparent to the child’s family. Family violence, peri-natal depression and other health and wellbeing concerns are also identified and individuals are referred to appropriate services.

2.3. Health IssuesThe difference between good and poor health is clearly more complex than the presence of a particular illness. People who are disadvantaged tend to have poorer health overall and poorer developmental outcomes. There is a strong connection between longer term health and wellbeing and children’s access to optimal early learning and care. The availability of support from a child’s family and broader community makes a significant difference to health outcomes, in addition to the impact of more formal health services. While the available data on specific health problems is dated, it suggests the top three specific health issues for children in Moreland between birth and aged 8 years are:

Oral health; Injury (including road accidents and falls); and Asthma.

Asthma is the primary cause of disease burden for all Victorian children and its causes are not well understood. Hospital admissions for asthma are most common amongst very young children (age birth to four).36 There is an increasing incidence of allergies and anaphylactic reactions. Congenital abnormalities are also significant amongst infants from birth to age four.37

Some groups are particularly at risk. Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are more likely to be from low-income households, have dental caries and be overweight or obese than other children.38 While the numbers are very small, Indigenous children are more likely to be admitted to hospital due to asthma and to have higher levels of dental decay than other children.39

The incidence of dental problems is particularly striking. It suggests maintenance of the partnerships between the Maternal and Child Health and Immunisation Service and Merri Community Health Service to deliver the Preschool Dental Health program and the increased access for school children to the Merri Dental Health Service will continue to be very important. Advocacy for further expansion of dental services and oral health promotion for children in Moreland will also be a priority for Council.

These are all issues underpinning the importance of the relationship between Moreland Maternal and Child Health and Immunisation Service, Merri Community Health Service and other partner organisations working together with a focus on vulnerable, high risk families as well as serving people with disabilities and from other cultures and languages.

2.4. Indigenous ChildrenIndigenous children have increased levels of vulnerability. Indigenous babies often have lower birth weights than other babies. Low birth weights are an indicator of an infant’s health and also a key determinant of an infant’s survival, health and development. During 2004/2007 the rate of indigenous low birth weight babies in the northern metropolitan region was 116.5per 1000 live births. 40

36 State of Victoria (2009) The State of Victoria’s children Op Cit. p.41-43.37 State of Victoria (2009) Growing, Learning and Thriving, Op Cit. p.30.38 State of Victoria (2009) The State of Victoria’s children Op Cit. p.44.39 Ibid p.9 and p.43.40 Early Childhood community profile City of Moreland 2009

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Health indicators also inform us that:

Immunisation rates for Indigenous children are typically lower than for other children;

Participation in preschool is also significantly lower for Indigenous children than it is for other children;

Indigenous children have a higher rate of admissions to hospitals for asthma; and

Indigenous children frequently experience a generally higher level of disadvantage than other children and in Moreland this is reflected in the higher level of unemployment amongst Indigenous residents as well as the high burden Indigenous carers in the community experience. 41

These factors underscore the importance of access to programs such as Maternal and Child Health and other health services as well as quality preschool programs for these children. There were 95 indigenous children registered with the Maternal and Child Health Service in 2009/10 but only 46 were actively involved in the service. 42 There were 23 births in 2009/2010. Further work needs to be undertaken to engage Indigenous families in both the Maternal and Child Health, Immunisation Services and early childhood education programs.

While the rate of child protection notifications for Indigenous children is gradually reducing the rate is still higher than the non Indigenous population in Moreland.43

At Council level relationships with Indigenous organizations are important to partner for action that can address some of the areas of vulnerabilities. Moreland also provides a series of professional development opportunities to early years staff with the aim of facilitating participation by Indigenous children in a range of services.

41 Early Childhood community profile City of Moreland 200942 Moreland (Early Child hood community profile City of Moreland 2009)43 Early Child hood community profile City of Moreland 2009

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3. Policy Context: What developments are occurring in Early Childhood policy?

3.1. Federal GovernmentEarly childhood development is currently a key focus of policy reform at the national and state levels, particularly through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). COAG is the forum that brings together the State and National Governments to develop joint action plans in key areas of national significance. Investing in the Early Years – A National Early Childhood Development Strategy was agreed by COAG in July 2009. It sets out six specific reform priorities aimed at achieving a better start in life for all children by 2020.

These strategies are:1. Strengthen universal maternal, child and family health services;

2. Support for vulnerable children;

3. Engage parents and community in understanding the importance of early childhood;

4. Improve early years infrastructure;

5. Strengthen the workforce across early childhood development and family support services; and

6. Build better information and a solid evidence base.

Successive statements of COAG reform directions on specific issues in early childhood include:

1. The National Partnership: Early Childhood Education 2008;

2. An Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Agreement 2008; and

3. A National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care (National Quality Agreement) 2009.

These directions align with Victorian priorities but their implementation has raised significant challenges especially in terms of workforce skill levels and shortages, and infrastructure. The National Partnership on Early Childhood Education provides for review of implementation in 2011. This is expected to evaluate the impact on access to other early childhood programs such as Early Start (three year old) kindergarten and playgroups.44

A National Agreement on Early Childhood Development is also due to be considered by COAG in 2011. This is likely to signal a new wave of reform building on state level initiatives such as the Early Home Learning Study, Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service and Enhanced Best Start. At the Victorian state level the Early Childhood Intervention Service System has also been the subject of major review, which may also be expected to influence COAG policy directions.

44 Ibid, p.21.

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3.2. State GovernmentMelbourne 2030, with its planning update Melbourne @ 5 million,45 is the Victorian Government’s framework to protect the liveability of our suburbs as the population grows. The aim is to help keep Melbourne one of the world’s most liveable cities and strengthen links between the metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

The policies commit the State Government to working in partnership with local government, communities and the private sector to shape the future of local neighbourhoods.46 Several areas of Moreland are identified as key localities for development as Melbourne’s population increases. Council has developed corresponding Structure Plans for these areas (see below).

Though the focus is not explicitly on child friendliness, these policies emphasise important issues for the development of positive and sustainable environments for families. They promote the idea of creating jobs and services closer to people’s homes and ensuring affordable housing along public transport routes and in employment corridors.

Growing Learning and Thriving (DEECD 2009) provides an overview of the COAG agenda intersecting with state level strategies and priorities specific to early childhood. The State Government has provided much of the impetus for many of the COAG developments commencing with Victoria’s Plan to Improve Outcomes in Early Childhood (2007). State Government’s A Fairer Victoria includes in its social policy action plan, giving children the best possible start in life.

Reforms have included the creation of a new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), followed by a Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development (2008), legislative amendments to the Children’s Services Act 1996 and the Children’s Services Regulations 2009.

A new framework is also proposed at the state level to promote an integrated approach to meeting children’s health and development needs from birth until 18 years of age. The driver for this is the:

“Strong connection between health, well being and optimal learning and development outcomes.”47

It proposes new ways of thinking about how to address health and well being issues such as obesity, mental health and health inequalities. It stresses prevention and promoting health, well being, learning and development. This includes a stronger emphasis on early intervention and a ‘no wrong doors’ philosophy so that whatever service is first approached families can be put in contact with the services they need.

In late 2009 the State Government released an update on its achievements in early childhood policy, programs and services. In Growing Learning and Thriving three areas for taking action on the evidence for investing in the early years were identified:

System Improvement such as ensuring the quality and inclusiveness of services and leading change;

Partnerships with Parents and Communities to meet the changing needs of children, families and communities and providing opportunities for all Victorian children;

Workforce reform including the need for new models of service delivery.48

45 State of Victoria (2008) Melbourne   @   5 million, a planning update to Melbourne 2030 http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/236F09822413669ACA25751200211D74/$File/DPC051+M5M+A4Bro+FA+WEB.pdf46 State of Victoria Department of Planning and Community Development, Boundaries for COBURG Principal Activity Centre, February 2009.47 State of Victoria: Towards a health and wellbeing service framework, DEECD Discussion Paper Feb 2010, p.7.48 State of Victoria (2009) Growing, Learning and Thriving Op Cit.

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Priorities for the future were detailed including:Implement the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (birth to age eight)The focus will be to support professionals in early years services who work with children from birth to eight years to enrich children’s learning and development. This will include updating the information Maternal and Child Health nurses provide to families to support children’s learning at home.

Support the Early Home Learning Study for vulnerable familiesA particular focus will be helping participating families develop their homes as positive learning environments for their children from birth to age three. It is considered that the success of this program will link directly to the involvement of existing high quality programs such as Maternal and Child Health and Supported Playgroups.

Improve Participation in Maternal and Child Health ServicesSubstantial new funding has been provided to enable Maternal and Child Health Services to respond to the statewide increase in the birth rate. This includes better funding to ensure interpreters are available to families from diverse cultural and language backgrounds and outreach services in Aboriginal community controlled services.

Reform the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health ServiceThe State Government is currently conducting a review of the service to ensure the evidence about what interventions work best informs service delivery. In addition, measures to provide greater support to Indigenous children and their families continue to be developed including strategies to promote increased participation by Indigenous children in early childhood services.

Develop sustainable models for integrated children’s centresCloser location of early childhood services provides benefits to both staff and families. Additional ways to promote service integration are also being explored such as the provision of outreach services.

Develop a plan for improving infrastructureThe State Government is working with the Municipal Association of Victoria, local governments and the Federal Government to secure funding to improve the physical environment in which early childhood services operate.

Implement a statewide approach to support a positive start to schoolThis includes statewide rollout of Transition Learning and Development Statements for children and their families. These statements are a record children can take with them from kindergarten to school.

3.3. Local GovernmentAgreements between the State Government and Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) highlight the importance of local government to the success of Early Childhood Policy directions. These include:

The 2003/04 Agreement that all Councils create a Municipal Early Years Strategy. These are seen as providing:

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“… a common map of what is available within a municipality including strengths and gaps, and outline how a community will respond at the strategic planning level. They represent the key mechanism through which the Victorian Government and local governments work together to support the needs of children and their families.”49

The current DEECD-MAV Partnership Agreement supports the introduction of the COAG commitment to universal access to kindergarten for all children in the year before school. Councils have collaborated in the production of early childhood infrastructure capacity assessments for this purpose.

Local government plays a critical role in creating child and family friendly communities. Councils serve not only as the key local planner, but also more often than not facilitate coordinated access to universal programs such as maternal and child health services and kindergarten.

Local Government has significant investment in direct service delivery including both immunisation and maternal and child health services, Family Day Care and School Holiday programs, and are the major infrastructure provider for many early childhood services such as kindergartens and community childcare centres. It also fosters many of the networks that are important to ensuring children and families have good access to the spectrum of services they may require including playgroups, community health, and other family support and intervention services.

3.4. Moreland Council Policies and PlansCouncil PlanThe Moreland Council Plan50 provides the overarching framework for the Early Years Strategy. The Council Plan incorporates a Strategic Statement that the Council will be recognized as an accountable, innovative and collaborative organization that delivers its vision for the city. That vision is to be a city that is lively, proud, celebrates its diversity and cares for and respects all its citizens. It is built on a commitment to four Strategic Focus Areas highly relevant to increasing the family and child friendliness of the municipality. They are:1. A Sustainable and Just City;2. A Proud City;3. A Healthy and Educated Community; and4. A Responsive Organisation.

The Early Years Strategy and Action Plan provides some new initiatives and synthesises existing Council policies and plans within a Child Friendly Cities framework to address health, wellbeing, education and development issues in partnership with the federal and state governments, service providers and the community.

A number of the Key Strategic Objectives of the Council Plan relate directly to children. Objective 14 seeks to ensure that the community has access to a range of educational opportunities that maximise their potential. The key indicator for this is the number of children attending preschool.

Similarly Objective 16 seeks to facilitate people’s access to an appropriate range of services that meet their needs. The key indicator being the level of agreement that families have adequate access to childcare.

Other Key Strategic Objectives (KSO) are relevant to the principles underpinning a Child Friendly City, including:49 Ibid, p.7.50 Moreland City Council, Council Plan 2009 – 2013:  Planning for a Sustainable Future.

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Objective 8: Foster greater community resilience Objective 10: Foster community creativity Objective 11: Appropriately respond to the health needs of people at all

stages Objective 15: Facilitate community connection and engagement.

Current InitiativesCouncil will continue to invest in early years infrastructure and services. The Gowanbrae Community Centre and Children’s Centre will be completed in 2011. In addition Council will expand or upgrade nine kindergartens across the municipality over the next two years. The extent of further capital works that can be undertaken will depend on the availability of funds to assist from the State and Commonwealth Governments.51 In addition Council is committed to a program of renewal and upgrade of the city’s seven neighbourhood houses.52

Health and WellbeingCouncil’s Health and Wellbeing Plan takes a social model of health perspective which sees health and wellbeing as a state of complete physical, social and mental wellbeing.53 This means the strategies to improve health go beyond targeting specific diseases or health problems. Instead they aim to improve the social, built, natural and economic environment in Moreland. The Plan adds to Moreland’s commitment to becoming a more welcoming place for families and children. For example the first social objective states:

“To enhance mental health and wellbeing, Council and Partners will provide opportunities for people to be involved in and connect with their community.”54

ReconciliationThe Moreland Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan notes that local government is well positioned to actively promote reconciliation between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community in ways that will make a positive difference to the lives of Indigenous families and their children. This is important given over 600 Aboriginal people live in Moreland. The Plan underpins Council’s commitment to:

“Equity and access for all members of Indigenous communities to culturally sensitive services.”55

In children’s services this is symbolised by all Council owned buildings having signage acknowledging the traditional landowners at their main entrances.56 The Strategy also sets out specific actions to help ensure our Indigenous children and families experience Moreland as child friendly (see further Section 6 of this Strategy).57

Access and Inclusion For many people a disability results in reduced capacity to participate in the community. This is often not so much because of the impairment or disability itself but because of barriers in the physical environment, the way in which services are provided or the attitudes people may have towards someone with a disability.

51 Moreland City Council, Municipal Planning for 15 Hours of Funded Kindergarten Op Cit.52 Ibid, p.1153 Moreland City Council (2010), Moreland Health and Wellbeing Plan 2010-2014: A Healthy Connected Community.54 Ibid. p. 33 Social Environment Objective 155 Moreland City Council, (2008) Moreland Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan 2008-2012 Statement of Commitment.56 Moreland City Council, 2010 Capacity Report to DEECD Op Cit.57 Moreland City Council (2008) Op Cit. Priorities and Targets.

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Council programs supporting families and early years service providers include the provision of Preschool Field Support Officers for kindergartens and Inclusion Support Facilitators for child care services. In addition Council has developed an Access and Inclusion Policy to help reduce barriers and promote improved participation in the life of the community for all Moreland residents.

Like the Child Friendly Cities concept, this policy recognises that:

“We are richer, more complete and better off when people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds are active and equal members of our community.”58

The policy suggests that all areas of Council should take responsibility for implementing the objectives of the policy. These are grouped around four priority areas identified as follows:

1. Inclusion and Participation;2. Employment and Training;3. Accessing Goods and Services; and4. Changing Attitudes.

While there are no recommendations specific to the early years, each area of Council is asked to think about using three different but interrelated approaches to improve the experience of people with disabilities in the Moreland community. These approaches are service development, community building and advocacy.

Multicultural IssuesA new policy and action plan will revitalise the way in which the City engages with and develops the diversity of the community. It will be important that the implementation of the Early Years Strategy is informed by the key priorities of this Plan.

Open Space Within the Open Space Strategy 2004 the types of public open space that are included range from parks, reserves, playgrounds and sports playing fields to creek corridors and civic or urban spaces. Amongst the Strategy’s objectives, of particular relevance to promoting child and family friendly spaces are:

To ensure that local parkland for informal recreation is accessible to all; To provide an appropriate range and proportion of open space types to reflect

community expectations for informal recreation, sporting opportunities, nature conservation and other open space functions;

To design, develop and enhance public open space in order to satisfy current and future community needs;

To diversify play environments and open space facilities to meet the needs of children and youth;

To encourage the active involvement of Moreland residents and organisations in planning, re/developing and using the open space network; and

To ensure that new residential development provides for open space needs.

Local Planning PoliciesThe Municipal Strategic Statement guides Council decision making in relation to land use and development trends, which can also act to support Councils focus on making the city child and family friendly. Council is also undertaking policy development to implement a Development Contribution Plan which also has the potential to support projects and initiatives within the Early Years Strategy. Other key Council Strategies

58 Moreland City Council Access and Inclusion Policy 2010-2014, p.2.

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which have the potential to support the focus on making Moreland a child and family city (from an environmental health and place making perspective) include the following:

Carbon Management Strategy; Integrated Water Management Plan; Shopping Strip Renewal Program; and Community Infrastructure Planning Framework.

Structure plans give effect to the objectives of Melbourne 2030, and guide major changes to land use, built form and public spaces that together can achieve economic, social and environmental objectives for activity centres.Moreland has prepared structure plans for its three key activity centres: Coburg, Brunswick and Glenroy. These are long term planning documents that are used to guide development of housing, infrastructure, amenities and services consistent with changing population characteristics and projected growth in Moreland. They also aim to guide growth in a way that maintains the features that make the municipality an interesting place to live.[i] 59

A particular focus of Moreland’s Structure Plans is the need to improve the liveability of the city with a range of housing options including higher density and a focus on ecological sustainability including more green space. There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that the experience of people walking about the city is inviting, attractive and safe.

Community hubs also support improved access for children and their families to a range of services they may need as well as stimulating recreational opportunities. The Structure Plans envisage a network of community hubs in each of which key services provided will include childcare and maternal and child health services. The Plans also specifically propose that at least some of these hubs will include playgrounds.

The themes emphasised in the Plans also provide a strong foundation to the development of child friendly environments, supporting active children with the ability to get where they want to go independently.60

[i] Moreland City Council Brunswick Structure Plan: Draft, July 2008, Vol. 1., p.1059 Moreland City Council Brunswick Structure Plan: Draft, July 2008, Vol. 1., p.1060 Whitzman C et al (2009) Walking the Walk: Can Child Friendly Cities promote children’s independent mobility? GAMUT (Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport).

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4. What are the emerging early years issues in the community?

Council currently faces a number of key challenges placing pressure on existing early years services. Many of them arise from the policy context discussed in the previous section.

Demographic pressures discussed in Section 2 that will exacerbate these issues include:

Population increase and a sustained increase in births; A diverse population with many families experiencing barriers accessing

family and child support services; Many families with a high level of need but limited capacity to pay for support

services or recreational options; and A state wide shortage of various early childhood professionals.

4.1. A sustained increase in birthsThe birth rate increase in Moreland has been sustained over the last decade. Forecasts suggest that this trend will continue.61 This brings with it the challenges of child friendly internal and external spaces, service staffing and infrastructure needs.

The growth in the number of babies being born is placing stress on Maternal and Child Health, Immunisation services, kindergarten programs and childcare services.

There has been an increase in demand for occasional care services particularly from “at home parents” without family support. Neighbourhood Houses are a key provider of occasional care. Council will work with Moreland’s Neighbourhood Houses and their peak body to advocate increased places particularly for disadvantaged families.

4.2. Access to services and opportunitiesThere are a broad range of reasons that inhibit families’ access to services and opportunities. Financial barriers, language and cultural barriers and poor understanding of the complexities of service systems all contribute to families not being able to get to where they need to be.

Other barriers may include cultural issues such as breastfeeding being discouraged in some public spaces, cafes not welcoming prams and design issues such as trams that do not facilitate easy access or egress with prams and children. Long waiting lists for child care, kindergartens and allied health services such as speech therapy compound the problem.

4.3. Workforce ShortagesMoreland faces workforce shortages in early years services, including a lack of qualified staff in childcare services, a shortage of kindergarten teachers and Maternal and Child Health nurses. These shortages are exacerbated by the increase in birth rates and the new staffing and other quality requirements being introduced due to policy reforms in early years education and care. Recruitment of new staff, particularly from cultures reflecting the diversity of the Moreland population is a challenge, as is the introduction of new models of service delivery.

Challenges for staff include engaging with young and single parents, CALD and indigenous clients. 62 Some of the strategies identified include advocacy for:

61 ID Consulting, Demographic Projections www.moreland.vic.gov.au62 KPMG, draft Evaluation of the Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service for the State Department of Human Services, October 2006.

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Improved funding and flexibility. For example within the Maternal and Child Health Ages and Stages framework; and

Ongoing professional development, training and provision of networking opportunities for early years professionals. These opportunities help provide both the skills and confidence staff require to engage with the challenges they face.

The State Government has developed an Early Childhood Workforce Strategy organised around four goals: to enhance recruitment, professional networking and mentoring, collaboration and retention of staff. The initial focus of the State Government strategy is to attract enough qualified early childhood professionals, particularly in early childhood education and care, to meet the demand arising from population growth and recent reforms.

Actions to support these goals include: scholarships, funding for professional networking pilots and from 2010 two customised professional development programs for leading early childhood educators. Professional development for early childhood staff is a key priority because of the age profile and recruitment difficulties particularly in relation to maternal and child health nurses and kindergarten teachers. Over time these programs will also become available to early childhood intervention leaders and leaders of integrated early childhood practice.63

It will be important that Council continues to take advantage of any opportunities available through the State Government Workforce Strategy. Other strategies that may need to be explored include increased utilisation of support workers64 including from target population groups to assist early childhood professionals and supporting these assistants to gain formal qualifications where appropriate. The Australian Institute of Family Studies notes that strategies that involve families themselves in designing more family and child friendly services are also important,65 and are also consistent with the principles of Child Friendly Cities.

Early childhood professionals such as Maternal and Child Health nurses increasingly recognise the need to collaborate with other service providers in order to provide integrated responses to children and families.66 Enhanced training and networking opportunities would help capitalise on this, creating better understanding of what other professional groups do and how they might work together.

There are other challenges associated with Family Day Care (FDC). There are approximately 40 FDC Educators but their distribution across the municipality does not reflect where the demand for places is highest. Council will need to keep monitoring this issue and develop a range of integrated strategies to recruit FDC Educators in areas where demand is highest.

4.4. Infrastructure ConstraintsAgeing infrastructure, which is often unsuitable for co-location of services presents a challenge. Many of Moreland’s Maternal and Child Health service buildings are now inadequate for their purpose and insufficiently integrated with other relevant services for young families. Ideally Maternal and Child Health centres would be environmentally sustainable, co-located with kindergarten, childcare and allied health services, include a breastfeeding room, purpose playgroup area and garden play area.67

63 State of Victoria (2009) Improving Victoria’s Early Childhood Workforce: Working to give Victoria’s children the best start in life, DEECD. http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/govrel/Policy/ecworkforce.pdf64 KPMG, 2006, Op Cit.65 For these and other strategies for engaging families supported by research findings see Myfanwy McDonald (2010) Engaging disadvantaged and socially isolated families with young children in child and family services, Family Relationships Quarterly No.16 http://www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/newsletter/frq016/frq016-3.html66 KPMG, 2006 Op cit.67 Moreland City Council unpublished Maternal & Child Health Nurses Discussion of Early Years Strategy 2010.

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Demand often exceeds the supply of occasional care but this is generally provided within Neighbourhood Houses with insufficient space to expand the number of places or hours of provision. Major upgrades and expansion of many kindergarten and childcare services are also required within the next few years.

Councils Building Operations Plan outlines priorities for improvements to all Council owned early years infrastructure over the next 20 years. However as with most Councils, Moreland’s ability to refresh infrastructure is severely limited. Both the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) and the Auditor General have highlighted resource constraints on councils.68 VCEC details the sizeable gap for example between the capital contributions made by the state government (and sometimes also the Commonwealth) and the actual cost of capital improvements and/or developments to councils.

These constraints underpin the importance of Council advocacy, in collaboration with the Municipal Association of Victoria and other councils to the State and Australian Governments for greater consultation and funding to address these pressures. Additional pressure is imposed on council’s capital works budgets by the COAG objectives discussed below.

4.5. Partnerships and IntegrationIntegrating early childhood education and care is a particular focus of Australian Government and State policy directions, presenting a challenge in Moreland. Traditionally childcare and kindergarten have developed as separate services with distinct philosophies, staffing models and approaches to quality. Creating a new model of care and education that integrates both service types requires not only new buildings but a shift in policy and culture.

It also requires strong support from local government for change management and to engage the community. With other Northern Region Councils, Moreland is advocating for increased support from the State and Australian governments to work with the community to increase the availability of new models of both childcare and kindergarten.69

Council Structure Plans envisage a network of community hubs across the municipality. Close proximity of related family and child friendly services offered by council and community agencies alongside sport and other recreational opportunities in specific precincts aims to help ensure that families have better access to the support they might need. They also aim to promote social interaction and positive leisure options that enhance community well being and health.

Partnerships with community groups such as sporting clubs and with services such as Merri Community Health Service, Melbourne Citymission and Kildonan Uniting Care have all assisted in the achievement of much more for the community of Moreland than could have been achieved by any one agency alone. Continuing and new partnerships can also be utilised to explore new models of service delivery including integration of services and outreach. In addition to their importance in the development of the proposed hubs, these partnerships will also be vital help to overcome some of the limitations of current infrastructure available to council and other community services.

68 Auditor General Victoria (2009) Local Government: Results of the 2008-09 Audits; Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) Getting it Together: An Inquiry into the Sharing of Government and Community Facilities A draft report for further consultation and input. June 200969 Northern Region Local Governments, Position Paper on Early Childhood Education and Quality Reforms, June 2010.

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4.6. Planning for Universal Access to KindergartenPlanning for implementation of universal access to early years education adds immediate pressure on early years infrastructure and the broader capacity of the sector to meet demand. Australian Governments have agreed through COAG to ensure all children have access to 15 hours of kindergarten in the year prior to the commencement of school.

Moreland Council has participated in the collection of data about the capacity of the municipality’s 56 children’s services to achieve the COAG commitment. The COAG agreement aims that:

By 2013 every child will have access to a kindergarten program in the 12 months prior to school;

The kindergarten program will be delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher, for 15 hours a week, 40 weeks a year; and

The program will be accessible across a diversity of settings, in a form that meets the needs of parents in a manner that ensures cost does not present a barrier to access.70

The data collected by Council indicates that Moreland has achieved a high level of participation with 94.7% of four year olds enrolled in kindergarten in 2009. However current services will struggle to accommodate additional children and extended programs. For example of the 27 sessional kindergartens in Moreland, only five will be able to implement Universal Access without assistance from Council or other local partners. At least 16 kindergartens and childcare centres will require external funding to improve or extend their buildings. In addition at least 10 new full time teachers will be required.

In many cases kindergartens are faced with having to reduce or cease running programs for three year olds. This is inconsistent with their acknowledged importance. For example, specific state government funding has recently been introduced to enable targeted children experiencing high levels of disadvantage and Indigenous children to attend kindergarten programs for three year olds.

Teachers also find these programs helpful to identify children with developmental issues. Additional support for them in advance of their funded year of four year old kindergarten can be organised. In addition to the benefits for children, providing access over two years promotes longer parental involvement in the fundraising for and governance of these services. In turn this fosters a longer-term outlook on the introduction of change.

Similarly playgroups co-located with kindergartens may be displaced, again despite the acknowledged advantages for families of co-located services. This has a flow on impact on other services such as occasional care programs run by Neighbourhood Houses. Action by Council needs to include collaboration with Playgroup Victoria, Neighbourhood Houses and other early childhood agencies and peak bodies to ensure the State and Commonwealth Governments fully understand these concerns, thus enabling optimal as to discuss possible solutions.

70 Moreland City Council 2010 Capacity Report to DEECD Op Cit.

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4.7. Quality Regulations, Learning Frameworks and Transition to School

At the same time as services prepare to implement universal access to kindergarten significant new regulatory requirements to enhance quality are being introduced across all early childhood education and care services. This includes regulation of family day care and outside school hours care. The changes include an improved staff to child ratio of 1:11 for three to five year olds from 2016. Steps towards implementation within that time frame must be taken now.

To further support quality early years education, a consistent learning framework is also being introduced for the first time. Over 3500 early childhood educators and primary school teachers have undergone professional development focussed on this Framework and on supporting children’s transition to school.71

Primary schools and early childhood services are being encouraged to work together far more closely to enhance children’s experience of the move from preschool programs to school. This is being supported at the state level by the introduction of Transition Learning and Development Statements for children starting school. 72 It builds on the understanding that a successful start to school is linked to future positive outcomes, both social and academic. The Transition Statements aim to promote sharing between families and formal educators information about their child’s learning development and expectations about school.

The early childhood field broadly supports these initiatives. However slightly different state and national requirements and timeframes for implementation add to the challenges of implementation. Service providers including parent committees and their staff will require increased training, professional development and other support to introduce these new requirements.

Some of these challenges can be partly addressed by promoting both cluster management of sessional kindergarten programs and the advantages of participation in the Kindergarten Central Enrolment Scheme. Moreland Council has also taken a lead role advocating with other Northern Metropolitan Councils for much more consultation and support from the State and National Governments on the introduction of these changes in early childhood education and care.

Council has also received funding from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Department to facilitate an Early Childhood Professionals Network. This project will provide a stronger connection between early childhood services and primary schools and a better-informed workforce. It allows for coordination of efforts between professionals working in all relevant services and focussed attention to key issues including:

Participation rates at kindergarten Successful transition to school for children with high needs Better identification of need before children commence school; and The successful implementation of the Victorian Early Years Learning and

Development Framework.

4.8. Inclusion for all AbilitiesEarly intervention through support for families, quality early education and care has real benefits for children with high needs. Yet many of these children are unable to access programs such as long day care or kindergarten or obtain the family support they may require. This may be because of the lack of respite care, inclusion support funding or of the lack of staffing their needs demand.

71 State of Victoria, (2009) Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development One Year On, DEECD, p.26.72 State of Victoria (2009) Growing, Learning and Thriving, Op Cit.

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Services that do accept children with complex needs may suffer adverse financial impact as a result. At the same time they are likely to be managing children whose particular conditions or disabilities have not yet been diagnosed or support needs assessed. There is a lack of consistency between inclusion support programs across early childhood education and care settings and in primary schools.

The barriers faced by children with developmental delays and or disabilities is further exacerbated by the lack of funding and excessively long waiting lists for early intervention and allied health services in the community. Moreland Council needs to keep advocating strongly for improved State and Australian Government funding and other resources in these areas.

4.9. School Holiday ProgramsPart of the transition to school from early childhood education and care means families need to make new arrangements for care during term breaks. Though there is little emphasis on this issue in Australian Government or State policy statements, it is a major issue for families.

In Moreland, Council is the key provider of the Australian Government subsidised school holiday programs, which are extremely popular but have very limited availability. Issues identified include the limited school holiday choices for families of children with high support needs and the need for inclusive programs and well trained and experienced staff to support their needs.

Related to this is the lack of funding for holiday programs for these children once they turn 13 years of age, given their developmental age may be much younger. A review of venues is to be undertaken in 2010/2011. Both improved relationships with primary schools and better communication with parents have been identified as necessary.

In collaboration with primary schools, Council needs to advocate to the Australian Government for expansion of both the inclusion criteria and funding for the School Holiday Program to address these issues.

4.10. Options to be ActiveThe combined features of the Moreland population place significant stress on Council’s capacity to meet the demands for services, facilities and recreational options. Not surprisingly a recent survey found a declining number of residents believe:

There is adequate access to childcare in Moreland (63%).73

There is plenty for young people to do around their local area (52%).74

There are opportunities for learning and development for all ages (70%).75

At the same time the need to increase physical activity and healthy eating have been identified as important to combat the risk of obesity and other indicators of poor health amongst Moreland citizens and Victorians more generally.76 Some researchers go so far as to suggest that the reduced independence children experience in getting around in their local streets and community puts them at greater risk not simply of becoming overweight, that can undermine their general mental health and broader development including everyday cognitive and problem-solving skills. 77

73 Moreland City Council (2010) Health and Wellbeing Plan Op Cit, p.17. Community Indicators Survey 2009. There was 68% agreement in 2008.74 Ibid, p.17. There was 58% agreement in 2008.75 Ibid, p.17. There was 85% agreement in 2008.76Ibid; Whitzman C et al (2009) Walking the Walk: Can Child Friendly Cities promote children’s independent mobility? GAMUT (Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport) p.777

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A further survey has found residents would like to see improvements in Moreland parks. The improvements sought would clearly boost enjoyment of these community assets for families and children. They include:

Recreation facilities (20%) such as play equipment, skate parks, and walking tracks;

General amenities (19%) such as seats, BBQs and water fountains;

More green spaces (17%) including parks, gardens, trees, plants;

More shelter and shade (14%); and

More toilets (11%).78

These findings underpin the importance of the emphasis on open spaces, playgrounds and pedestrian options in Moreland’s structure plans. They also suggests Moreland’s planners should continue to be alert to the need to consider the availability of internal and external spaces that are engaging for children and families in and around new residential developments more generally.

Continuing to explore the potential of Schools as Community Facilities79 and particularly opportunities for their use by community groups out of school hours should be part of this. Council’s support for family and child friendly cultural events should also continue to be a priority.

ConclusionThe Moreland Early Years Strategy 2011 – 2015 provides a framework for action to improve outcomes for Moreland’s children and their families. The actions are consistent with Councils policy directions and the roles and responsibilities of other levels of government, the community and our partner organisations.

The framework is flexible enough to be responsive to changes in government policy and funding opportunities or changing community needs. The Strategy includes an implementation plan that will be reviewed and evaluated annually.

78 Moreland City Council (2010) Moreland Health and Wellbeing Plan Op Cit., MHWP Telephone Survey 2009 p.21.79 State of Victoria (2005) Schools as Community Facilities Policy Framework and Guidelines http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/facility/schools/sacf/index.htm98 Australian association for Infant Mental Health Position paper2: Responding to Babies Cues September 200699 Department of Human Services “Every Child, Every Chance. The Best Interest Principles: A Conceptual Overview” 2007 p.2

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Appendix One

Moreland’s Demographics

Moreland has 148,000 residents and approximately 21,000 are children aged 14 years or younger.80 Moreland is one of the most densely populated localities in Melbourne and the population is growing.81 More than one third of Moreland’s population was born overseas, representing more than 150 countries82 while over 600 people identify as Indigenous.83 Our Indigenous population is particularly young with almost half aged less than 25 years compared to around one third of non-Indigenous residents.84

The City of Moreland is currently ranked as having the seventh highest number of overseas born residents in Victoria. Overall, more than 30% of the population was born overseas with 28% from a non-English speaking background, compared with 29.0% and 22.0% respectively for Melbourne.85. Between 2001 and 2006 particular increases in residents from non- English speaking backgrounds included India, China and Vietnam.86 Nearly 17.5% of these new arrivals have been in the last 10 years.87

Table: The top 10 languages other than English spoken at home in Moreland?

Source: Moreland Community Profile 2010 http://profile.id.com.au/templates/profile/Clients/220More/PDF/10.pdf

Not surprisingly Moreland has a very high number of residents who speak more than one language. While this is an asset, over 20% either do not speak English or do not speak it well, particularly in the north east of the municipality.88 The diversity of the 80 Moreland City Council (2010) Families and Early Years Profile prepared by the Communications & Research Unit, Moreland City Council. 81 Moreland City Council, Council Plan 2009-2013, p.782 Ibid.83 As at 2006 Census cited in Moreland Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan, 2008.84 Ibid.85 Moreland City Council (2010) Community Profile http://profile.id.com.au/templates/profile/Clients/220More/PDF/10.pdf 86 With increases between 2001 and 2006 of 1030, 171, and 20 respectively. Ibid. 87 Ibid. 88 Overall, 22.6% of persons speak English only, and 21.8% speak another language and English not well or not at all, compared with 37.0% and 13.9% respectively for the Melbourne Statistical Division. Ibid.

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Moreland population is also reflected in religious affiliations with 9% adhering to Orthodox Christian churches, just under 8% identifying as Islamic and a small but increasing number of Hindu residents.89

Given the positive impact of employment on both well being and income, there has been a welcome decrease in unemployment.90 The community is also becoming better educated 91 and there is a concentration of high-income households within some areas reflecting a level of gentrification.92 However while property prices are rising, the most common form of housing within the municipality remains rental.93 In addition, some Moreland residents face insecure housing. One third of all community housing and homelessness services in the state are located in the Northern and Western Metropolitan Region.94 Similarly while unemployment levels have declined the community has relatively low income levels overall with significant pockets of poverty. 95

The employment data does not tell the whole story. A major trend in the municipality is away from its traditional manufacturing base. This is particularly apparent in Brunswick with strong development of hospitality, arts and entertainment businesses and residents working in professional occupations.96 These shifts indicate a municipality undergoing transition resulting in corresponding vulnerability for some residents as well as opportunities for others.

Many of Moreland’s children live in families that are new arrivals, having moved from another part of Victoria or Australia or frequently from another country. This is another major factor influencing the need for community support. New housing developments in Gowanbrae and on the Pentridge estate as well as urban renewal in inner areas of Moreland have significantly contributed to the overall increase in the Moreland population between 2001 and 2006.97

Adding to the need for good social support networks in Moreland, single parents head a significant number of families..98 These families experience significant disadvantage compared to two parent families including much more likelihood of running out of basics such as food.99 Approximately 22 per cent of the local population identify as having some kind of disability.100

Around 20% of people living in Moreland use public transport to get to work. Consistent with this, residents have relatively low rates of car ownership (14.9% of local residents do not own a vehicle at all). There are also a significant percentage of bicycle commuters in Moreland (3.6%).101

89 Ibid.90 With only 3.4% of the population aged 15+ unemployed in 2006 and the three most common occupations being Professionals (26%) Clerical and Administrative Workers (16.5%) Technicians and Trades Workers (13%)Ibid.91 An increasing number of people have educational qualifications and there has been a declining number without any. Ibid.92 Moreland City Council Brunswick Structure Plan: Draft, July 2008, Vol. 1 p.15.93 Ibid.94 HACC and Homelessness in the North West Metropolitan Region Project Final Report Sept. 2009.95 Overall, 15.7% of the population earned a high income, and 44.4% earned a low income (less than $400 per week). Similarly over 30% of households are in the lowest income quartile. Moreland City Council (2010) Community Profile Op Cit. 96 Moreland City Council Brunswick Structure Plan Op Cit., p.20 97 Moreland City Council (2010) Community Profile Op Cit.98 One parent families with child(ren) 15 years and under comprise 7.0% of Moreland householdsIbid.99 See State of Victoria (2009) The State of Victoria’s children 2008, DEECD, p.7100 Moreland City Council, Access and Inclusion Policy 2010-2014, p.1.101 Moreland City Council (2010) Community Profile Op Cit.

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All these features of the local population underscore the importance of Moreland Council’s role in promoting social connectedness within its diverse community. This role includes sponsoring cultural and celebratory events as well as recreational and other opportunities such as playgroups.

Table: Moreland Families Country of Origin

Source: Moreland City Council Community Profile 2010 http://profile.id.com.au/templates/profile/Clients/220More/PDF/10.pdf

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Appendix TwoEarly Childhood services

What are Early Childhood Services?

Early childhood services aim to help every child reach their full potential. The sector compromises a wide range of services provided by different organisations and includes:

educational programs childcare disability support primary health and well being services

Some are managed directly by local government such as maternal and child health services and immunisation services, Family Day Care and School Holiday Programs. Other governance arrangements include:

community managed kindergartens privately run childcare centres not for profit agencies providing family support services. schools

The importance of creating a more integrated and cohesive system of early childhood services including co-location of services in community hubs or in a precinct of related services is a strong theme of national and state policy. The aim is to make it easier for families to access the support services available to them and to help ensure that the children who most need additional support receive it.102

Council’s focus on developing a network of community hubs across the city will help promote coordination and ensure that children and their families have improved access to these services across the municipality.

What children’s services does Moreland Council provide?

Programs and services for children and their families are often described as universal, targeted and intensive.103 Universal programs and services include support available to all such as maternal and child health, playgroups, childcare and kindergartens and primary school. Council also offers secondary support services to external services such as kindergartens and child care services.

Intensive or targeted programs and services assist children and families with complex problems or needs requiring a high level of assistance and sometimes, ongoing support. These can range from child protection and placement services to Intensive Support Playgroups, known as PlaySpot.

Council provides direct, indirect, universal and targeted services.

Universal servicesServices that Council provides direct to children and their families include:

Immunisation Maternal and Child Health Breastfeeding Clinic Parent education

102 State of Victoria (2009) Growing Learning and Thriving, Op Cit., p. 9 and 10.103 Ibid, p.12.

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Family Day Care School Holiday Programs Library services for children and adults

Targeted servicesTargeted programs and services aim to respond to the needs of particular groups and include:

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Inclusion support programs including Preschool Field Officers (PSFOs)

Inclusion Support Facilitators (ISFs).

Secondary support services Support provided by Council to assist children’s services includes:

Kindergarten Central enrolment scheme Support and training for external children’s services staff Support for committees of management of children’s services Facilitation of networks for early years education and care services

Facilities for servicesCouncil has also invested strongly in buildings to support the delivery of early years services. It owns and maintains:

10 long day care centres 12 preschools 14 maternal and child health centres 7 Neighbourhood Houses

Recreational facilities and open spacesInternal and outdoor recreational options are essential to strong early childhood development. Council owns and maintains:

102 playgrounds three leisure centres and five pools 27 indoor and outdoor sport facilities and 36 sports pavilions CERES Environmental Park

What programs and services do our partners provide?

PartnershipsPartnerships with other agencies enable Council to support the delivery of much broader programs, services and activities of value to children and their families across the municipality. Some of the services that support children and families living in Moreland include:

60 or more playgroups and support through Playgroup Victoria 29 Long Day Care Centres 29 Kindergartens 37 Primary Schools Merri Community Health Child Health Team and Allied Health services General Practitioners Out of school hours care provided at schools Parent education, parenting and family support services delivered by

agencies such as Anglicare and Melbourne Citymission Self help groups such as:

Post and Antenatal Depression AssociationAustralian Breastfeeding associationMultiple Birth Association

Targeted programs and services range from:

Supported Playgroups through Playgroup Victoria

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Respite programs provided by services such as Interchange North West Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services Inclusion Professional Support Program 4 Special Education Schools Early intervention programs such as Family Support and Child First Child Protection Services Funded kindergarten places for Indigenous and other targeted 3 year olds Merri Community Health Service Dental team consisting of dentists, dental

assistants, an advanced dental prosthetist, a dental therapist and reception staff

Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) program based in Fawkner

Private Allied health services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and podiatry.

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