Magic Cottage Childcare centre manager Sophie Purcell welcomes construction of facilities in WA’s Mid West

Magic Cottage Childcare centre manager Sophie Purcell has welcomed construction of more facilities in WA’s Mid West — among the worst areas for daycare accessibility. “There’s such a shortage for childcare at the moment, so any additional funding to help more providers build childcare centres would be amazing,” she said. As the manger of a daycare in Geraldton, Ms Purcell had no trouble finding her two-year-old daughter Amelia a place but said most families in the area faced daunting wait times. At her centre, which has 55 places, the waitlist has more than 100 kids. “It’s extremely difficult here. If you aren’t on the list when your child is pretty much born, good luck getting in before they turn one,” Ms Purcell said. “Today I was calling parents who have been on the wait list since 2023 for spots for next year.” Ms Purcell said there had been a massive uptick in demand since COVID, blaming the rising cost-of-living for more parents needing to return to work. She welcomed the Government building childcare centres, saying elevated construction costs had deterred private investors.