HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT CHILDREN'S SERVICES REGULATIONS
The opportunity to have your say about the future of children's services in NSW is coming up soon at a series of regional briefings across the state from next month, Minister for Community Services Linda Burney announced today.
Ms Burney said a review of the Children's Services Regulation 2004 was underway and that these briefings are part of the consultation process.
"The 15 briefing sessions during October and November will ensure that people across NSW will have the chance to meet with staff from the NSW Department of Community Services and have their views heard," Ms Burney said.
"The Regulation provides the foundation for the children's services sector and is there to make sure that children get quality care and the opportunities they deserve from early childhood education."
Ms Burney said the purpose of the briefing sessions is to gather the views of children's services licensees and the general community as to ways to improve the sector.
"Participants will also be invited to comment on a soon-to-be released discussion paper on the Regulations," she said.
"To get parents' perspectives, Community Services will also be arranging a series of focus groups with families who have children enrolled in these services.
"Child care workers are also invited to participate, either through the statewide forums or through an easy-to-use online survey that will be posted on the Community Services website from mid-November."
The Regulation covers issues like staffing levels and qualifications, physical requirements of child care centres as well as health and safety and administrative requirements.
"It covers a variety of child care situations including long day care, preschools, mobile services, family day care, home based services and occasional care," she said.
Ms Burney said it is vital that the Regulations be as strong as possible.
"That's why I am calling for those involved in the children's services sector and others who may be interested to get involved in this important review," she said.
"I'm hoping to attend some sessions myself and am eager to see the results of this program.
The NSW Government will be working closely with the community to build a better child care sector for the children of NSW."
The details of the briefings sessions can be found on www.community.nsw.gov.au/review (list attached).
