The Town is one of a small number of metropolitan local governments in WA that continues to directly operate childcare services. At the same time, at least four other childcare providers already operate within the Town, with an additional centre approved for development.
As part of its responsibility to ensure sustainable and effective delivery of essential services and infrastructure, the Town regularly reviews its operations and discretionary (non-core) service provision, including senior services and childcare services. These reviews consider and assess a range of factors, including:
What is being proposed?
The Town of Bassendean currently operates two early childhood education centres known as Wind in the Willows Early Childhood Education at Bassendean (0-3-year-olds) and Ashfield (3–5-year-olds).
The Town is proposing to transition away from direct delivery of childcare services, which will involve selling the Bassendean business and property to a new childcare provider. The new provider would continue to operate out of the existing Wilson Street location.
Why is Council considering transitioning out of childcare services?
When Wind in the Willows began around 40 years ago, there were less childcare providers in the market. This decision is being considered because there are now many other experienced providers who can meet the needs of local families.
Rising operational costs, particularly staffing expenses, have made the service less sustainable, and ongoing challenges with staffing and compliance requirements have added further complexity.
Transitioning to a new provider allows quality childcare services to remain in the area, while allowing the Town to focus on its core responsibilities.
Is a childcare centre guaranteed to operate into the future given the new provider?
While the Town cannot guarantee the long-term plans of private owners, there is no immediate risk of losing childcare services. 
Should Council approve the sale at the Special Council Meeting in March, at Bassendean, the Wind in the Willows property and business will be sold together to a new childcare service provider. The new provider would continue to operate out of the existing Wilson Street location.
At Ashfield, the Town plans to transition out of childcare services by late 2026, subject to transition arrangements. More information will be provided regarding Ashfield’s transition when possible.
How will the change impact on affected children and their families?
We are providing as much notice as possible, so the transition can be managed carefully. This will help minimise disruption for families.
The Town will be using the transition period to negotiate with the new provider to ensure a smooth transition of service provision. This is planned for mid-2026. 
Will families continue to receive the same quality of care?
The Town is confident the selected provider will have the experience to deliver quality early childhood education and care in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Further information about the provider’s experience and track record will be shared should the appointment be confirmed at the Special Council Meeting on 31 March.
How will the transition impact on existing staff?
Employees affected by this decision will receive appropriate support and services, along with having their industrial relations entitlements met.  
The Town will work with the new provider to maximise opportunities for staff to transition where possible. The broader context is positive for staff working in this sector given the ongoing need for early childhood educators. 
What will the savings from ceasing the service be used for?
The cost savings from exiting the childcare sector are expected to allow the Town to redirect funds to our core services, such as asset maintenance and renewal (roads, drainage footpaths etc.), managing parks and reserves and other capital and operational projects and activities. 
What is the project timeline?
The public comment period will close at 4pm, Friday 13 March. Submissions will be collated and presented to Council at a Special Council Meeting (SCM) on 31 March, where Council will make a final decision on the potential sale of the Bassendean centre.
Should Council approve the sale, the transition will be done in two phases. The Bassendean service will transfer to a new provider in mid-2026 and we are working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition.
The Ashfield centre may continue to operate until late 2026, subject to transition arrangements. During this time, we will work with staff and families and share updates as soon as they become available.
Is the decision related to the childcare centre proposed for West Road, Bassendean?
No. This decision is being considered for numerous reasons as outlined above.
Subject to a future Council decision, transitioning to a new provider would allow childcare services to remain on site, while enabling the Town to focus on its core responsibilities.
Is Wind in the Willows currently being subsidised be the general ratepayer?
Yes, the service is currently being subsidised by all rate payers. This relates in part to the inability of local governments to operate services in the same manner as the not-for-profit and private sector, who operate under different employee award structures.
If the Council vote against the sale, what will happen?
If Council does not approve the sale of the Bassendean centre, the service will need to be managed differently which will impact fees and charges, staffing ratios and the current service offering.
Is the Town trying to shut down childcare services in Bassendean?
No. The Town’s priority has always been to ensure that quality childcare continues to be available for local families.
The consideration is to transition the service to an experienced operator, not to close the service. This approach supports continuity for children, families, and staff while reducing long-term financial impacts and compliance risks to the Town.
Why can't the Town just invest more money and keep running the service?
Local governments must regularly assess whether the services they directly deliver continue to be sustainable, cost-effective and aligned with their core responsibilities and functions. Childcare is a discretionary local government service, which is why very few local governments continue to operate these facilities directly.
Rising regulatory requirements, staffing pressures, compliance needs, and financial impacts have made direct delivery increasingly difficult.
Is Council rushing the decision?
No. The Town has followed a structured process involving internal assessment, research and valuations whilst also market testing the service with prospective operators in the not-for-profit and for-profit sector.
This process has been ongoing and has been completed as per the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996 relating to the potential disposal of public assets.
Why was this discussed confidentially?
Items involving commercial negotiations which can directly affect staff must be confidential under the Local Government Act 1995. This protects:
- commercially sensitive information
- staff impacted by potential decisions
- the Town’s negotiating position.
Should the Council determine that they formally wish to consider a disposal (sale or lease of a public asset) they must formally advertise via public notice and make it known to affected persons before any decision is made.
Is the Town selling the service to a large national childcare chain?
No. The potential purchaser is small local operator with three childcare centres in the Perth metropolitan area. This potential purchaser will be providing additional information to staff and families in the near future, prior to the Special Council Meeting on 31 March.
Will current staff lose their jobs?
The Town is committed to supporting staff through any transition. The proposed operator has indicated a willingness to retain existing staff wherever possible, recognising their experience and the strong relationships they have with families, and noting childcare staff are in high demand.
Will my child lose their place at the centre?
The prospective purchaser has indicated that all existing Bassendean enrolments will be prioritised and that discussions will occur regarding the transition of staff and children from the Ashfield service.
What benefits will the community see if the sale goes ahead?
Exiting direct childcare delivery would allow the Town to redirect funds and resources to core services, including maintenance and renewal of community infrastructure (roads, footpaths, drainage, buildings, parks).
These are areas where the Town has legislated responsibilities and where ratepayer funding has the greatest impact.
Did the Town consider other options besides sale?
Yes. Several options were explored, including:
- fee increases and changes to current management practices
- alternative operating models
- long term leasing arrangements.
Each option was assessed against financial sustainability, regulatory obligations, staffing impacts, asset management considerations and the ability to keep the service operating without ongoing ratepayer subsidy into the future.
Market testing did not obtain interest from the not-for-profit sector. There was no interest in long-term leasing arrangements. Given the small size of the Ashfield service and noting the land and buildings are not freehold, there was no market interest in that service.
Why can't the Town just increase fees to cover the costs?
The sale is being considered for more than financial reasons.
Is the decision already made?
No. Council is still considering the proposal. Submissions made during the public comment period will be presented to Council at the Special Council Meeting on 31 March. This will be a public meeting.