A review of the Guyra Pre School and Long Daycare Centre is looking at options to take this valued service to the next level.
The centre was established as a community-managed venture, before the former Guyra Shire Council assumed responsibility for operating the service from 1 January 2009.
"It continued to be Council-operated under the new amalgamated Armidale Regional Council and provides an important service for many families in the Guyra district," Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.
That service has been expanded to include Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) since Council took over the centre's management.
"With the continuous changes and improvements being afforded to childcare providers throughout NSW and Australia, Armidale Regional Council feels the timing is right to explore what opportunities and interest may exist within the broader community and childcare providers to take the centre and OSHC to the next level," Councillor Murray said.
"That includes looking at how the centre could provide a more efficient and effective service to the community.
"Council is in the final stages of acquiring land next to the existing childcare centre which provides potential for growth and expansion of these services in Guyra. That could accommodate a doubling in size of the centre to 58 children."
He said Council had considered advice that the services could be championed much better by industry experts or providers who specialise in childcare services".
"We will take advice on board as part of our review," Cr Murray said.
"Council is now investigating if there are other childcare providers, organisations, or interested persons within the community who may be better placed to take over the operation and management of the Guyra Pre School and Long Daycare Centre and the Guyra OSHC service."
As an initial step, Council will be calling for Expressions of Interest to gauge if any interest exists within the community or childcare industry to acquire and operate these childcare services.
"It is anticipated the Expression of Interest process will then guide Council toward its next phase of considerations for the continuation of childcare and out of school hours care for the children of Guyra and the district," he said.
"The Expression of Interest will be advertised soon and Council looks forward to responding to any and all enquiries from people interested in this wonderful and rewarding business opportunity."
