Out of School Hours program excels

Swan Hill’s Out Of School Hours program group

Swan Hill’s Out of School Hours program has achieved the highest rating in the National Assessment and Rating process for children’s education and care services.

In January, the Department of Education and Training visited the program for the assessment and the program achieved an Exceeding National Quality
Standards rating.

Council facilitates the Out of School Hours program for primary school students, offering after school care at Swan Hill Primary School.
Students are bused to the venue each afternoon from schools around Swan Hill.

The program also operates on pupil free days and during school holidays.

Mayor Michael Adamson said the rating was a credit to the program staff, as well as families and children involved.

“The service achieved the high rating in four of the key quality areas that were assessed, leading to the overall Exceeding National Quality Standards result.

“I was pleased to see the high rating in areas like children’s health and safety, physical environment, partnerships and leadership.

“Achieving this rating is a fantastic result for the Swan Hill Out of School Hours team, which includes the educators, families, children and Council.”

On average, between 30 and 45 students from across Swan Hill attend after school care, and as many as 45 attend each day of the school holidays.

“This program provides children with stimulating, safe and educational after school and holiday care.

“This in turn allows parents to remain in the workforce, to study or to have some respite if they or their child have additional needs.”

The National Quality Standard sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services.

It also gives services and families a better understanding of a quality service, allowing them to make informed decisions about the service providing education and care to their child.

Quality ratings of assessed services are published on the national register of services and can be viewed on the MyChild website.