Childcare services in Rosebery have reached a significant new milestone, with preparations now well advanced and the service aiming to open before the end of the current financial year.
In August 2025, childcare services in Rosebery came a step closer, following Council’s decision to partner with Coastal Family Day Care (CFDC) and activate a Council-owned property for use as a family day care service. That decision included finalising lease arrangements, undertaking necessary property modifications, and providing ongoing support to enable the service to be established for the community.
Since that announcement, further progress has been made. The lease between Council and CFDC has now been finalised, and the Rosebery family day care service has been set up, with a small number of compliance matters being addressed by CFDC as part of the standard regulatory process for opening a family day care service.
West Coast Council General Manager Scott Riley said the latest progress reflects Council’s sustained commitment to supporting families and workforce participation across the region.
“Securing the lease and having the property fully set up are major milestones for this project,” Mr Riley said. “Council recognises that access to childcare is critical for families and for the broader West Coast workforce, and we’re pleased to see this service now moving into its final stages ahead of opening.”
An educator is ready to commence, with plans for two educators to share the role, working on a rotating basis. Once operational, the service is expected to engage one educator on site at a time, supporting continuity while allowing flexibility in staffing.
The Rosebery service will operate under a family day care model, which allows for smaller group sizes in a home-style environment. The service will cater for up to seven children per day, with a maximum of four preschool-aged children and three school-aged children attending at any one time.
Service hours are still being finalised, however subject to staffing arrangements, there is an aspiration to operate up to seven days a week, responding to the needs of families and local workers. Coastal Family Day Care Manager Nicole Walters said the model has been designed to respond to local needs while meeting all regulatory requirements.
“Family day care allows us to offer high-quality, flexible care in a setting that feels welcoming and familiar for children,” Ms Walters said. “We’ve been working closely with Council to ensure the Rosebery service meets compliance standards and reflects what families on the West Coast have told us they need.”
Ms Walters confirmed there is already strong interest from families, with a waitlist in place ahead of opening.
“We already have families registered on our waitlist who are keen to access care in Rosebery,” she said. “As we get closer to opening, we’ll be in touch with those families, and anyone else who would like to be added to the list can contact our Somerset office.”
CFDC is also encouraging qualified early childhood educators from across the West Coast to get in touch.
“We see this as a model that has real potential for regional communities,” Ms Walters said. “If it’s successful in Rosebery, it could be replicated elsewhere, and we’d welcome conversations with educators who are interested in working locally.”
Mr Riley said the Rosebery childcare service aligns strongly with Council’s long-term community planning priorities identified in the West Coast 2035 Community Plan and Health & Wellbeing Strategy.
“Supporting access to childcare is about more than just a single service — it’s about enabling families to live, work and stay on the West Coast,” he said. “This project is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, and Council looks forward to seeing the service open and supporting the Rosebery community.”
For more information contact Coastal Family Day Care by calling 6435 3322, or email admin@coastalfdc.org.
Read the previous media release here.