General News
4 May, 2022
Noorat Primary opens after hours care program
NOORAT Primary is among the schools to launch outside of school hours care (OSHC) from this year, with applications now open.
NOORAT Primary is among the schools to launch outside of school hours care (OSHC) from this year, with applications now open.
OSHC is currently available in the mornings from 6.45am to 8.45am, after school from 3.30pm to 6pm and curriculum care is available from 6.45am to 6pm.
While the program is currently only available to Noorat Primary School students, principal Ilona Watkins said the service represented an exciting new chapter for the school which could one day see expansion with enough interest.
“The OHSC service was funded through an official grant by the Department of Education, which secured funding for the next three years,” she said.
“The idea is to boost the numbers so it becomes a viable stand-alone service.”
The State Government announced the funding to boost access to OSHC programsin 2022.
The program aimed to support parents in getting back to work, undertaking study or otherwise training, as a measure to support families as the state begins recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Watkins said the school was happy to be part of an initiative which aims to support the wider school community.
“The idea is to provide parents or carers an opportunity to undertake further study to get back in to work,” she said.
“Due to school hours, it can be really hard for people to get involved in work or study; particularly in a rural area which is not close to major towns like Warrnambool and Camperdown, where many parents would work or study."
“It gives them the flexibility to have their kids dropped off earlier in the morning or picked up after school if needed."
“There is the potential in the next few years to potentially expand the service to include non-enrolled students, but for the time being it will just be our students.”
The initial funding for the expansion of OSHC included 145 schools in Victoria, and 14 schools in Western Victoria sharing in almost $10.7 million to establish the program from 2022.
Mortlake College was also among the schools to be included in the launch.
More information on the separate OSHC program offered at Mortlake College can be found on www.mortlakep12.vic.edu.au.
The OSHC program at Noorat Primary aims to provide a stimulating and safe environment for all children, and will set out to develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity though play.
Parents or carers interested in utilising the service can find additional information at www.bigchildcare.com/enrol.