Operating a range of outside school hours care (OHSC) programs in a community is not unusual. However the four programs operated by Burnie City Council are innovative in that they all operate from school premises in partnership, involving both private and public education.
Two years ago, Council established the first program with 30 vacation care places. There are now over 200 places operating across the community in four different schools.
“The success of the first program was such that neighbouring schools approached Council to consider running similar programs from their premises,” said Council’s Community Care Coordinator, Tracey Bradley.
In the short time the program has been operating they have grown to capacity numbers and other projects have developed from the close relationships developed with the school community.
“Children’s services now provide qualified staff to work at schools with young children while new parents attend information sessions and the like,” said Tracey Bradley. “Also joint submissions have been lodged for parenting programs run at the schools with teachers and childcare staff.”
Children too young to attend OSHC are collected from school and transported to Council’s long day care centre.
“The decision to base all of the programs in schools was a conscious effort to build a strong relationship with the Education Department and because it supported the philosophy of making good choices for children the easiest for parents to make,” Tracey Bradley said.
The programs have been recognised, receiving awards for educational excellence through the State Education Department illustrating the commitment to quality programs for children and families.
For further information contact Tracey Bradley on (03) 6430 5781.
