For at least three years the books have been full and there has been a waiting list at Sanctuary Point Children’s Centre.

“There are not many centres that take babies, a lot of families are moving down, wanting to seek work and put their babies in daycare,” director Nicole Thompson said.

“Just recently we were talking to parents who were distraught, we couldn't guarantee them a spot in October.

“A lot of families are desperate for that care.”

Expansion plans are in the works, funded partly by a federal government grant of $113,000.

“The $226,000 project will modify the current layout of the Early Childhood Education and Care service to increase the size of the cot and staff room,” Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis said.

“With the extension of the cot room, this means the centre will soon be able to accommodate additional babies and children, giving more families an opportunity to take advantage of the service.”

Mrs Thompson said the expansion would help to reduce numbers on their waiting list.

“We're excited about the funding,” she said.

“In terms of the cot room, it will make a difference.”