Why WorkCover is important for Family Day Care educators

“I don’t know what we would have done if we didn’t have that support.”

WorkCover isn’t something most educators think about, until they need it. Family Day Care Educator, Caroline knows this better than anyone else.

A workplace accident changed everything in an instant.

Caroline fractured her shoulder in two places, and what followed was not just physical recovery, but months of uncertainty, rehabilitation and gradual return to work.

What made the difference was knowing she wasn’t facing it alone. Fortunately for Caroline, we are among few providers who have WorkCover. As a registered Family Day Care provider with over 21 years of sector experience, we understand that WorkCover is not simply about meeting a legal obligation.

Compliance means doing what’s best for educators.

Reliable support when the unexpected happens

When running a Family Day Care business, educators prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children every day. Safety and wellbeing must also extend to educators. This is especially important as Family Day Care operates as a small business and like any business it comes with risks.

That’s why WorkCover is so important. Although it's a legal obligation, Surprisingly, not all providers meet this requirement. In fact, only a small number does, including Windermere.

“I wasn’t aware of how it all worked. I’d been in childcare for 22 years and never had to think about it. I didn’t even realise WorkCover was there and that I would be okay if something goes wrong.”

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, support kicked in quickly. Our Family Day Care team responded straight away, ensuring Caroline received medical attention and that the children in her care were safe and supported.

“I wasn’t in any frame of mind at the time, but the team from Windermere were present to contact the emergency services, get help and contact the parents. Everything was taken care of.”

From that point on, we continued to guide Caroline through next steps to navigate what could have been an overwhelming process.

A Family Day Care provider to guide every step of the way

Unfortunately for Caroline, recovery from her serious injury took nine months. During that time, WorkCover provided income support covering 90 per cent of her wage initially, then 80 per cent ongoing, helping her maintain stability at home.

“We still had a mortgage and bills to pay, and we were able to keep up with that because of WorkCover.”

This financial continuity meant Caroline could focus on recovery and not stress over rising debt or unmanageable bills. Beyond financial support, what stood out most was the hands-on guidance. When it comes to any insurance cover, paperwork is inevitable and it was important for Caroline to sort through it all as quickly as possible.

“I just had to fill in the forms. A team member from Windermere connected with me, guided me through it and took it from there.”

An independent insurance representative also visited her home and attended medical appointments to assess her needs and support her recovery plan. From documentation to medical coordination, our team helped simplify the process along with regular check-ins to ensure Caroline felt supported.

“Windermere struck a really good balance as I was preparing to return to work. There was no pressure, only encouragement. And they still check in on me.”

A safe and supported return to work

Returning to work was gradual and carefully managed, balancing recovery with readiness.

“I started with three days, then four and I was covered for the days I couldn’t work. It was only a matter of weeks before I could build it back up.”

Physiotherapy, medical updates and clear communication all played a role.

“Transparency is key,” reflects Caroline. “If you share your medical information, make it easier for those who are supporting you and stay connected, everything becomes a lot simpler.”

As Caroline’s experience shows, WorkCover ensures that when life throws a curveball, it doesn’t undo everything educators have worked hard for. It provides the stability, care and support needed to recover and move forward. WorkCover is just one of the many ways we ensure educators have the best possible support.

When educators sign up with Windermere, they are backed by:

a dedicated Family Day Care team offering practical guidance and sector expertise
ongoing support to meet compliance and safety requirements
reliable systems ensuring educators are paid for the hours they work
business, marketing and training support
opportunities to connect and learn from other educators
access to broader family support services
emergency support, available seven days a week=