COVID-19 in NSW: seven-day lockdown for Orange, Blayney and Cabonne

The NSW Government has announced a seven-day lockdown for the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne Local Government Areas. Details can be found on the NSW Government COVID-19 website.

During the lockdown, child care services remain open.

At this stage there is no change to fee charging or absences in relation to the Orange LGA lockdown. If Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is being claimed by services, families are liable to pay the gap fee. Families can use their 42 absence days per financial year for any reason.

Services directed to close by a local authority because of COVID-19 can waive gap fees until 31 December 2021.

We are monitoring the situation and will work closely with the NSW Government and peak organisations from the sector as the situation evolves.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

Information about the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will be made available on the Services Australia website.

Support for families

Families can get CCS when their child is absent from a session of care they would normally attend for up to 42 days per financial year. These absences can be used for any reason.

Allowable absences reset on 1 July 2021 for the new financial year. This means that on that date all children had 42 absence days available to them.

The Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship) is available to support families experiencing temporary financial hardship.

Families looking for alternative child care options during an emergency can visit Starting Blocks or Child Care Finder.

Support for services

Providers and services in NSW may be eligible for a range of COVID-19 support funding. For information on whole-of-Australian Government support for businesses affected by COVID-19, visit business.gov.au.

Some services may be eligible for a Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances Grant. Applicants must request funding after an event has occurred and they have accessed other COVID support.

If you have to close

You must also tell us if you are temporarily closing your service for any reason and for any period. To do this, use the Provider Entry Point (PEP) or your third-party software.

These notifications are additional to those you must give your state or territory regulatory authority.
 

For action

• Update your vacancy details in the Child Care Finder. Do this via the Provider Entry Point or your third-party software.
• Update your contact details, particularly email addresses, in the Child Care Subsidy System so you don’t miss important information. Do this via the Provider Entry Point or your third-party software.
• Ask families to maintain their enrolments. This will ensure children receive continuity of care and early learning.
• Keep an eye on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response website for local information.