What this class covers
ANZSIC class 8710, Child Care Services, categorises businesses whose main activity is providing day-based care, supervision, and childminding for infants and children. This classification sits within the broader Social Assistance Services subdivision and is part of the Health Care and Social Assistance division. The core function is non-residential care, meaning children return to their homes each day. This classification is used by Australian government agencies for statistical analysis, tax reporting, and industry regulation. It helps in understanding the economic activity of the care sector and can influence policy development and funding decisions.
Common examples of businesses that fall into this class include commercial long day care centres, not-for-profit community-based childcare centres, registered family day care educators operating from a private residence, and services offering before and after school care programs located at schools or other facilities. A nanny service that is run as a formal business (e.g., an agency that employs and places nannies) would also be included here, whereas a single nanny directly employed by a family typically would not.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in:
- Operating a child care centre that provides all-day or part-day supervision.
- Running a registered family day care service from a home environment.
- Providing before-school, after-school, or vacation care programs for school-aged children.
- Offering childminding services, often in venues like gyms or shopping centres for short periods.
- Running a children's nursery or creche that focuses on care rather than accredited education.
Exclusions and nearby codes
It is important to distinguish this class from similar activities that are classified elsewhere. A key exclusion is ANZSIC Class 8010: Preschool Education. This class is for services providing a structured, accredited early childhood education curriculum. If a service's primary purpose is delivering an educational program, it belongs in 8010, even if care is also provided.
Another important exclusion is ANZSIC Class 8609: Other Residential Care Services. This class includes operations like children's homes or residential refuges where children live on-site overnight. Since ANZSIC 8710 is strictly for day care, any service providing accommodation falls under this other classification.
Practical guidance
If you operate a business in this class, you will likely need an Australian Business Number (ABN) and must use the Business Industry Code (BIC) 87100 on your tax returns and activity statements. Beyond federal requirements, child care services in Australia are heavily regulated at the state and territory level. You must obtain the appropriate license or approval from your local regulatory body (e.g., a state education or early childhood department) to operate legally.
For workers' compensation insurance, your premium will be calculated based on the inherent risks associated with child care work. Your business may also be eligible for specific government grants or subsidies aimed at the care sector, though eligibility criteria apply. Always ensure your service complies with the National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care, which sets national standards for safety, health, and quality.