Challenge
The City of Monash was seeking a clear, evidence-informed understanding of the current role and performance of its Brine Street Early Learning Centre (ELC). This work was occurring in a context of significant sector reform, increasing demand, workforce constraints and rising expectations around quality, integration and financial sustainability. Council required a structured way to assess what was working well, identify emerging risks and pressures, and clarify its future role in service delivery within a rapidly evolving early years system.
Action
KF Consulting undertook a targeted pulse check, supported by a comprehensive benchmarking exercise across comparable metropolitan councils. This included analysis of service delivery models, workforce structures, utilisation patterns and financial settings, alongside a review of policy and funding reforms shaping the sector. Engagement with staff and stakeholders provided practical insights into day-to-day operations, while benchmarking enabled a broader understanding of how councils are responding to similar challenges. This approach, combined with our deep our real-world experience in the early years sector ensured findings were grounded in both local context and sector-wide evidence.
Outcome
Council gained a clear and practical snapshot of current service performance, supported by robust sector context. The benchmarking highlighted key trends, including the shift away from direct service delivery, increasing financial and workforce pressures, and the evolving role of local government as a system planner and coordinator. This has strengthened Council’s ability to consider future service directions, assess risk and sustainability, and make informed strategic decisions about the role of Brine Street ELC and Family Services within the Monash early years system.
