We have recently received feedback from our Meli kindergarten families regarding our current application and enrolment process.
This feedback has provided valuable insight, and as a result, we are pleased to announce that we are implementing changes to improve our process for 2026 kindergarten offers.
We are removing the “first in best dressed” approach which means that families will now have a week to respond to their kindergarten offer.
We have moved to a one step process which means on our application form you are able to choose a kindergarten and group preference. When offered a place, you will receive both kindergarten and group together in the offer email. Depending on if you receive your first preference, your choice after this could be to accept, decline, or resubmit your preferences.
Your preferences can all at the same kindergarten but 3 different groups or 3 different kindergartens and 3 corresponding groups.
We are also following the Best Start Best Life reform with priority hours for certain children see The Best Start, Best Life reforms | vic.gov.au for more information.
Some important points to note:
– First round offers will be sent on Monday 14 July 2025. If you have applied for a kindergarten place in 2026 you will receive an email containing a link which will take you to another page to accept, decline, change preferences.
– The allocation link will remain open until Monday 16 June 2025. Application received after this date won’t be included in first round offers.
-You will now be able to choose a group preference when you select your kindergarten preference.
-With your allocation you will receive a kindergarten and the group with days and times your child has been allocated all in one step.
–To ensure a fair, equitable and transparent allocation of kindergarten places, each registration is given weighting based on the DE Priority of Access and our local criteria. For more information on our application and enrolment process see here.
If you need help understanding our new acceptance process, please contact our enrolments team by calling 5273 0200 or emailing enrolments@meli.org.au.
We are confident that these changes will improve the process for your child’s application at one of our 31 Meli kindergartens across the Barwon region.
We value you and your children and thank you for choosing a Meli Kindergarten as the first step in your child’s educational journey.
Quick Exit