Sydney’s childcare crisis

Plans are being drawn up to ease Sydney's crippling shortage of childcare centres.

While some suburbs have dozens of children waiting for each vacancy - centres are becoming more expensive to set up, with some built in the wrong areas.

Like many working mothers Linda Scott she's seeking a place at a child care centre for her son, but it could be a long wait.

"There's 560 children seeking a small number of spots under 20," Sydney City Councillor Linda Scott said.

New figures from the Federal Government suggest many Sydney council areas have less than one child care spot for every five children aged under five.

"What we do know is supply is not keeping up with this demand," Childcare Minister Kate Ellis said.

With 25 kids waiting for each childcare vacancy, Woollahra is the worst in the city followed by areas including Holroyd and Manly.

The Federal Government blames outdated state planning laws.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said City Council has plans for six new childcare facilities.

"We don't have a coordinated strategy to actually provide building stock," she said.

In the inner city, in the next two decades demand for childcare is expected to increase by 45 per
cent, in an area where available space is hard to find and afford.

But some suburbs have an over-supply of care.

"[In] some areas like Sydney's inner-west there's been a baby boom," Ruth Callaghan from the Early Childhood Education Department said.

The State Government says affordability is a big issue, and a Federal responsibility.

And if you'd like to share your experience of the childcare shortage you can email us at news@seven.com.au.