CASTERTON’S ‘kindy’ is recognised as an outstanding service provider in its field in a rating and assessment audit as part of the Education and Care Services National Regulations for approved education and care services (long day care and kindergarten).

The staff at Kathleen Millikan Centre in Casterton have received due recognition for their ongoing commitment to delivering high quality programs to the children of Casterton and surrounds, with the centre receiving an overall rating of Exceeding National Quality Standard, under the audit.

The Department of Education and Training Quality Assessment and Regulation Division undertakes a rigorous assessment of the quality of service against the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (National Regulations).

Each service is assessed in seven quality areas consisting of: Educational program and practice; Children’s health and safety; Physical environment; Staffing arrangements; Relationships with children; Collaborative partnerships with families and communities; and Governance and leadership. 

Four out of the seven areas were rated at the centre as Exceeding National Quality Standards, with three areas rated as Meeting National Quality Standards. 

 Glenelg Shire Mayor, Anita Rank, thanked the staff at Kathleen Millikan Centre for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment to their community over a very trying period.

“The report, recently received by council, acknowledged the challenges of providing education and care during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” Cr Rank said.

These challenges included navigating the South Australian/Victorian government directives and border closures, noting the leadership team engaged in critical reflection and implemented creative solutions to continue providing education and care during Covid-19 lockdowns.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated staff at Kathleen Millikan and this is due recognition for their hard work,” Cr Rank said.