Training for Children’s Service staff in NSW

Federal Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony, today announced an extra $100,000 for Commonwealth-funded children’s services in New South Wales.

Mr Anthony said that the grant to the Lady Gowrie Child Centre, would provide additional training and support to long day care services operating under the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System.

“It is important for long day care workers and operators to keep abreast of new developments in the industry. Therefore, training opportunities are essential to enable staff to develop the necessary skills to meet the changing needs of Australian families,” Mr Anthony said.

Training and support will be provided to new centres opening across NSW and centres with new staff, ranging from telephone “hotline” assistance to group training sessions.

“Particular attention will be paid to those centres that are experiencing difficulties with quality issues, and those required by the National Child Care Accreditation Council to submit plans to show that they can improve the quality of care,” Mr Anthony said.

“Support for those centres will mostly involve individual fieldwork visits and regular telephone advice and support.

“The Howard Government is committed to ensuring that high quality, affordable child care services are available to all families and the provision of training through Lady Gowrie will greatly assist child care workers across NSW.”