Find out what approvals are required to operate a Family Day Care from your home, including planning approval and any health (food business) requirements.
Definitions
Family Day Care: A child care service that is provided in a residential dwelling offering education and care for up to seven children aged from birth to 13 years, including the educator’s own children, in the educator’s own home. Only four of these children can be below pre-primary school age.
Development (Planning) Approval: The City’s approval confirming that your proposal complies with zoning and planning requirements. It must be obtained before you begin operating the Family Day Care.
Note: If you wish to care for more than seven children, this is considered a Child Care Centre and different planning requirements apply. Contact the City to discuss
National requirements and registration: You must be registered as a Family Day Care educator under the National Quality Framework. This is separate from the City’s approvals.
Planning approval: Development (Planning) Approval is required before you begin operating from your home.
Health approval: Is required if you are preparing and providing food to the children.
Building approval: Is not required to operate a Family Day Care where no building work is proposed. However, if you intend to carry out building or structural works, you may need a Building Permit.
To operate a Family Day Care, you must be registered as a Family Day Care educator under the National Quality Framework. This is separate from the City’s approvals.
You will need to:
Complete the registration and membership process with an approved Family Day Care scheme (for example, Family Day Care WA);
Meet all requirements set out in the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012; and
Follow any additional policies and procedures set by your Family Day Care scheme.
Note: The City of Wanneroo is not involved in the process of becoming a registered Family Day Care educator. You must manage your registration directly with the scheme.
Further details are available on the Family Day Care WA website.
National Quality Framework (NQF)
The NQF is the national system that sets legal requirements for early childhood education and care, including the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012. Family Day Care services must comply with the NQF.
For more information visit the ACECQA website.
Unless development approval has already been granted for that use on that property and you comply with the conditions of approval, development approval is always required.
Documents to prepare and submit
All development applications must be accompanied by a completed Development Application Checklist – Family Day Care. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
Download, complete and sign the:
Development Application Checklist – Family Day Care and Other Child Care Services
Development Application Checklist – Child Care Premises
How to submit your application
To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:
- Up to 60 days for most applications.
- Up to 90 days if public consultation (advertising to neighbours) is required.
In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:
- You have submitted a complete application.
- The City formally accepts it for assessment.
Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.
Change of Use Development (Planning) Approval Checklist (PDF) Application for Development (Planning) Approval (PDF)
If you provide any food to children (for example cooked meals, snacks or drinks) that is not supplied by parents, you must:
Complete and submit the Food Business Notification and Registration Form online;
Pay the application and inspection fee; and
Renew annually when advised by the City.
Family Day Care services that provide food are responsible for safe food handling and must comply with the Food Act 2008.
As part of the assessment, an Environmental Health Officer will inspect your kitchen and food handling areas, including:
Number and condition of sinks, with liquid soap and paper towels available;
Structural condition of benchtops and surfaces (no damaged or exposed areas);
Overall cleanliness and hygiene;
Space available for preparation, cooking, serving and cleaning;
Your food safety skills and knowledge (for example, completion of the City’s FoodSafe Online training and obtaining your Food Safety Supervisor Certification);
Storage of food ingredients and children’s meals;
Use of a probe food thermometer and alcohol wipes;
Use of a food-grade sanitiser; and
Pest control measures.
You may be asked to provide a current menu plan to support your application.
Learn about Food Safety Training.
