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The priority of access is as follows: 

First priority: Staff employed by the Area Health Service on the specific site of the Child Care Service are to receive first priority. 

Second priority: Staff employed by the Area Health Service are to receive the second priority with places given to staff at the sponsoring Hospital. 

Third priority: Staff employed by other Area Health Services and other Health System Services are to receive third priority. 

Fourth priority: Should the Service be unable to fill all the child care places from with the above categories then places will be available to the community. 

You can get waiting list application forms at the childcare centre.

Once you submit the form, we’ll add your details to the waiting list. We’ll call you when a spot becomes available for your child.

The waiting list is updated once a year, and it’s important to return the update form by the due date to stay on the list.

Places are allocated in accordance with the Priority of Access Policy. 

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment made to eligible families to assist with the costs of child care. All Australian residents are entitled to receive a minimum payment of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). To receive this you must register with Centrelink. 

Once you have registered with the Centrelink you will receive CCS as either a fee reduction, a fortnightly or quarterly payment or a lump sum payment following the end of the financial year. Centrelink will notify the Service of your nominated method. 

For more information contact on 13 61 50. 

On enrolment you are required to pay a bond equivalent of four (4) weeks fees that will be held in the Centre’s Special Purpose and Trust Account. The bond will be used as fees when four weeksâ€� notice of withdrawing a child is given to the Director. 

Child care fees are to be paid four weeks in advance. Fees are charged for all public holidays except over the closure period over Christmas/New Year. No fees are charged for the two week closure over Christmas/New Year. Nor for the two cleaning days which are held in June/July and in December.  

The service provides breakfast for children in care before 8am, as well as morning tea, a hot lunch with dessert, and afternoon tea. We offer a variety of foods from the five food groups. Parents are welcome to share any menu suggestions.

Our cook provides alternative meals for children with food allergies and/or restrictions. 

Babies on formula will only be given their bottle with the formula already made up from home. 

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Child Care Centre’s health and safety policies have been developed in consultation with staff, parents and paediatricians to minimise the spread of infection.

When children spend time in child care and are exposed to a large number of children, infectious diseases can spread. However, most childhood illnesses are relatively mild and can even boost a child’s immunity.  

Our hygiene procedures and policy for exclusion of sick children plays an important role in minimising infection. Our policies set out what procedures the staff will take if your child falls sick at the service. Staff monitor the children very closely in this regard and always contact the parents should there be any concern regarding the child’s health. 

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Child Care Centre has implemented the Early Years Learning Framework, which aims to provide a high quality program that reflects the interests of every child. Children will be encouraged to be actively involved in the learning process, to experience a variety of activities and materials. 

Modifications are made in the environment for children with exceptional development and when necessary staff make appropriate, professional referrals in conjunction with families. 

The curriculum refers to all activities during the day and provides children with balanced opportunities for quiet times and group times, adequate rest periods and small and large group activities. The program and individual objectives are evaluated weekly. All the materials and equipment within the curriculum reflect the cultural diversity that exists in our society and avoid stereotyping of any group. 

Parents are welcome at the Centre at all times. All staff recognise the importance of parent input in order to foster aspects of their child’s development. Suggestions are always welcome. 

The service is staffed according to The Education and Care Services National Regulations under sections 301 and 324 of the Education and Care Services National Law, at all times of the day â€� inside and outside. 

Under 2 years of age â€� 1 adult : 4 children 
2-3 years â€� 1 adult : 5 children 
3-5 years â€� 1 adult : 10 children 

The service has a trained cook who prepares the meals for the children and a full time administrative officer. 

The service has a trained full-time permanent relief staff member (Diploma of Children’s services) and a permanent part-time staff member (Child Care Certificate III certified) to cover for staff when they are on leave. 

The Director of the Service manages the day to day operation on the Service and reports to the Delegate of the Service, Manager of Corporate Services. 

The Service is managed in accordance with the NSW Health Department Child Care program Manual.  

The Parent Advisory Committee meets bi-monthly and provides parents the opportunity to have input into the operations of the Service. 

The childcare has an ongoing policy of quality improvement. Areas are identified which may need improvement and strategies are worked out (through staff/room meetings, Parent Advisory meetings, input from children, families and relevant stakeholders), implemented, evaluated and reflected on to ensure a high quality service is offered. 

As part of our ongoing policy of quality improvement, staff at the Service work towards meeting the goals of our ‘Continuing Improvement Planâ€�.  

For more information on quality improvement and quality standards please visit the .