The report states 15 hours of kindergarten a week is essential to boosting preschool participation, supporting children’s development and improving school readiness.

The state government funds 10 hours of kindergarten and the federal government the additional five hours.

The agreement will expire at the end of this year and the federal government is yet to commit to its future.

Municipal Association of Victoria chief executive Rob Spence said he was hopeful the federal government would follow the report’s recommendation and provide long-term funding certainty for the additional five hours of kindergarten.

Other recommendations in the report include funding for nannies; prioritising childcare support to lower and middle income families; retaining the National Quality Framework; funding for childcare services in regional areas if demand temporarily drops and a centre becomes financially nonviable; and a 100 per cent childcare subsidy for children who are deemed to be at risk.

Yarriambiack chief executive Ray Campling said he supported the funding call for an additional five hours of kindergarten.

He said he was pleased the report also recognised communities and councils currently paid the funding gap.

‘‘We are supportive of the National Quality Framework for kindergartens and in the childcare sector,’’ he said.

‘‘All our shire kindergartens have fully adopted the framework.’’

West Wimmera Mayor Annette Jones said she supported proposed moves to make childcare more affordable and practical.

‘‘This will inevitably have a positive effect on childcare services in the region,’’ she said.

Cr Jones said it was not yet known how the changes would affect West Wimmera Shire.

Mr Spence said the report was a positive step for councils, communities and children nationwide.

‘‘We urge the federal government to adopt and implement these constructive recommendations for the benefit of all families,’’ he said.

‘‘Accessible and affordable kindergarten and childcare options require continued shared investment from all levels of government.

‘‘Other positive recommendations include the state retaining responsibility for kindergartens with federal government funding support, and continuing to research optimum hours for kindergarten.’’

The state government has called on the federal government to commit to funding kindergarten hours. Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said 15 hours of kindergarten a week was an essential start to life.

‘‘We want to make sure all children can access highquality, affordable early education and care,’’ she said