Thousands more NSW families have access to before and after school services following the completion of the first phase of the $20 million Out of School Hours Care grant program, as the second phase of grants now opens up further places for working parents.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams today visited Sutherland Shire Christian School, one of the first schools in NSW to open a new Out of School Hours Care service as a result of the grant.
“We understand working parents need flexibility and providing easy access to care will help parents doing the school run in the mornings and afternoons,” Mr Baird said.
“We have heard from a lot of schools who already offer an OSHC service with extensive waiting lists. As a result we have now expanded the grant program and all schools with an OSHC that would like to expand are eligible to apply for a grant.”
From today, applications will be accepted from schools for new services, schools wanting to expand existing Out of School Hours Care services and local councils in partnership with schools. This will enable more school communities to meet unresolved demand.
“We have increased the grants to $30,000 to help with the cost of establishing or extending existing OSHC services. The grants can be used for fit-outs, tendering or equipment costs by schools with new or existing OSHC services,” Mrs Williams said.
“Over 3,000 places across NSW have been created as a result of this grant program and we aim to reach 45,000 over the next three years.
“We encourage parents who need before and after school places to get in touch with their schools.”
