Sutherland Shire Council confirms it will exit the FDC space by EOFY

As anticipated, Sutherland Shire Council has confirmed it will no longer offer family day care (FDC) services from 30 June 2023. 

Currently part of the portfolio of direct management within the Council’s Children’s Services business unit, the Council’s position is that “local government no longer has a distinct role in offering the (FDC) service to the community” and that FDC “has the capacity to be delivered without the Council’s involvement”. 

The Council said it has “facilitated a natural, gradual reduction in the number of FDC educators registered in the scheme,” from a high of 70 in the 1990s to 16 today, and that changes have occurred in the sector over several years, moving FDC from a subsidised model to a commercial enterprise. 

Existing educators will transition to a new scheme between now and the end of the financial year, with direct management by the Council to end on 30 June 2023.

“Collaboration with stakeholders and the development of individualised transition plans will be key to facilitating the change in service delivery,” the Council confirmed, before making the recommendation that “Council work with the remaining FDC educators to ensure a seamless transition of continued service to a new provider.”

Further context on this story is available here.