Ninety Mile Consulting (NMC) is proud to have partnered with Y Kinders to develop its Growth and Leadership Strategy 2026–2030. Supported through the Victorian Department of Education’s initiative to strengthen the capability of Early Years Management (EYM) organisations, this work sought to position Y Kinders for its next phase of growth and impact.

As one of Victoria’s largest EYM providers, Y Kinders delivers early childhood education and care services to children and families across metropolitan, regional and rural communities. NMC was privileged to support Y Kinders in shaping a strategy that positions the organisation in the changing early childhood landscape while building the organisational capability required to thrive into the future.

A strategy shaped by the people behind the organisation

Recognising that meaningful strategy cannot be developed in isolation, the project adopted an organisation-wide approach. Engagement activities were undertaken with the Board and Executive Leadership Team to establish a shared vision for the future, while educators, operational leaders and support staff provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges experienced across the organisation.

By bringing together perspectives from all levels of Y Kinders, the strategy reflects both the organisation’s pedagogical commitment to children and families and the operational foundations required to support sustainable growth.

Turning ambition into action

Alongside the engagement process, NMC undertook an assessment of Y Kinders’ current state to understand its organisational maturity, performance and readiness for future growth. As a rapidly expanding organisation, it was important that the strategy needed to do more than articulate aspiration.

The final strategy identifies the strategic priorities and organisational enablers needed to strengthen capability, support implementation and position Y Kinders to realise opportunities beyond its current horizon.

Looking ahead

Following several months of collaboration and dedicated involvement from stakeholders across the organisation, the Growth and Leadership Strategy was finalised and endorsed by the Y Kinders Board in June 2026.

Importantly, the project reinforced that successful strategy is not defined solely by the quality of the final document. Rather, it is built through genuine engagement, evidence-informed decision-making and shared ownership of the future. Through this work, Y Kinders has established a clear pathway to strengthen its leadership within the early childhood sector and continue delivering positive outcomes for Victorian children and families.