TAKING sick leave to stay at home with a child will soon be a thing of the past for White River Design employees.

And while you wouldn't normally associate a mechanic's workshop with being baby-friendly, the owners of Production Automotive will soon be able to create a comfortable playroom for their 14-month-old daughter, who is at the workshop three days a week.

The two Penrith Valley businesses were both successful in receiving a Federal Government Fresh Ideas for Work and Family grant, designed to help small businesses cover the costs of setting up family-friendly arrangements.

Debbie O'Connor from White River Design said she found her staff members were taking leave to look after their sick children.

Thanks to the grant, a system will be set up so they can log in and access the server from home, enabling them to work.

Mrs O'Connor said the system, which should be in place by the end of the year, would also mean her two permanent staff members both mothers would be able to pick up extra hours in their own time working from home.

Staf f member and mother of two Michelle Gulyas said in the past she had no choice but to take a sick child to work.

Over at Production Automotive, the grant will be used to install air-conditioning and buy a bed, television and DVD player for baby Olivia's playroom. Melinda Leyshon, who owns the business with husband Brendon, started working there part-time six months after Olivia was born.

Once Olivia started to become mobile the playroom was built, but on a tight budget.

``I couldn't actually believe that we were successful,'' Mrs Leyshon said. ``We were stoked.''

The current funding round closed in April. Check the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website for future funding rounds.

Did your business also receive a grant? Let us know at penrithstar.com.au.