OSHC - Out of School Hours Care

Gumeracha Primary School Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care Program

 

Welcome The Advisory Committee and Staff welcome you to our OSHC and Vacation Care programs. We hope to provide the quality care your family requires, and extend an invitation to discuss with us, any issues you may have regarding the service. We also encourage parents to take an active interest in the management of the service, by attending committee meetings on a regular or casual basis. This is another opportunity for you to voice your opinions.

 

History After great foresight by some community members in recognising the need for a service to provide quality child care to school aged children, the Gumeracha PS Outside School Hours Care was established in July 1994. The service has undergone many changes over the years, from site location, to Government funding changes, National Standards implemented, single staffing, and qualification requirements for staff being introduced. We were also one of the first services in the state, the first rural service in the Hills and the first Hills service to gain Accreditation for Quality Assurance. Although a small service, we are strongly supported by the Gumeracha Primary School, and our growing community.

 

Aims of the program To provide quality care to primary school children. To assist children reach their full potential socially. To meet the individual needs of each child by providing a diverse program of recreational actives.

 

Philosophy The Outside School Hours Care Service is a Child-Focused place where:   Children, families, and staff, are treated as equal and valued individuals. The value of play is important, and children have opportunities for challenge, choice, and their opinions to be respected. Children are encouraged to develop to their full potential, within a safe, caring, and supportive environment. Relationships with the school are fostered to promote continuity of the service, and open communication.   The service operates according to a philosophy of open management, and aims to reflect the local community, by encouraging participation and discussion about all issues relevant to the running of the service. Philosophy Outcomes   Equal opportunity is promoted in all aspects of operating the service. Play is valued, recognised and promoted, along with children’s choices, and opinions being respected. A caring environment is established, where children and staff can be confident, and where parents, staff and children, feel secure. Children develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually, at the service. The service reflects school policy, and promotes open communication. Parent participation in the management and activities of the service, is effective, encouraged and valued. Local community needs are recognised and met

 

Operating Times Monday to Friday (not Public Holidays) Before School 7.30 am - 8.30 am After School     3.20 pm - 6.30 pm Vacation Care and Gumeracha Primary School Closure Days   7.30 am - 6.30 pm We close between Christmas and New Year, for 2 week. Check for dates.   Provider Numbers: Before School - 555 009 487K After School     - 555 009 351J Vacation Care - 555 009 556A

 

Fees Fees reflect the cost of consumables used by your child/children, and to provide a safe level of staffing. OSHC Committee encourages parents to apply for Child Care Benefit, thereby reducing the amount of the base fee. Fees are to be paid promptly every 2 weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact the Director to discuss payment, if you are having difficulty. Before school      $  6.00 per child After School         $12.00 per child Vacation Care     $35.00 per child

 

Enrolment Each child must be enrolled into the program. This is regulation, but also provides us with essential medical and emergency information.   A $5.00 non-redeemable fee is charged upon enrolment. This is a once off payment, which covers administration duties in relation to the care of your child. This fee is not covered by Child Care Benefit. Enrolment forms are available from the OSHC staff, or the school front office. Please apply to the Family Assistance Office to claim your Child Care Benefit. The service will deduct CCB from your weekly account, once an Income Assessment Notice has been received.   The service is available to all primary school age children, although this may be extended under certain circumstances and with consultation and approval from the Director, Line Manager and Advisory Committee.

 

Bookings Permanent bookings are to be recorded on the appropriate Booking Form, available only from OSHC staff. Parents have the option to place bookings for a whole school year, or for Vacation Care. It is your responsibility to advise staff of any changes required. Your permanent booking will only be carried over to subsequent terms if you have requested this on the form. Casual bookings will be accommodated if possible. We will also provide care for your child/children in an emergency.   2 weeks written notice of cancellation is required for Permanent bookings. Casual bookings require 24 hours notice of cancellation. All Vacation Care bookings are billed after the designated "Book By" date.

 

Accounts IIf you register your child as a permanent booking, you will be given a pocket with your family name. If using the service casually, or in an emergency, your account will go to the front office, or be posted. Accounts are issued every Monday. Please attempt to make payment at least fortnightly; being such a small service, we need to have a regular cash flow to be viable

 

Illness/Accident Children who are ill should not attend OSHC. Alternative care should be arranged. All attempts to contact parents will be undertaken if your child becomes ill during a session. In the event of an accident, the staff will take steps to provide First Aid, and to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. This is in accordance with OSHC policy. Please keep your contact numbers up to date.

 

OHS&W The school has an appointed OHS&W officer. Outside School Hours Care facilities meet this commitment by ensuring that work practices and procedures throughout the facility, comply with the regulations governing the Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Act No. 125 of 86. All staff members are expected to take practical measures to ensure a safe and healthy working.   Further to this, in 2004 Gumeracha OSHC gained Accreditation for Quality Assurance, rating High in all areas. Quality Assurance is now an ongoing process, and Validation is required every 2 years. For parents interested in the National Standards and QA documents, OSHC staff are more than happy to make them available to you. Quality Assurance is a further step towards ensuring nationwide standards of quality care.

 

Transport Buses are available before school to Birdwood PS, Springhead PS, and Lobethal Lutheran PS. After school, the above buses return to Gumeracha PS. Arrangements for this can be made via the Bus Administrator of the relevant school.

 

Arrival and Departure It is essential that parents sign the attendance sheets when leaving or collecting their child/children. All children are to be collected by 6.30pm when the service closes. A fee of $10.00 per 15 minutes applies for the late collection of children.

 

Behaviour Management This is consistent with the Behaviour Management Policy of the Gumeracha Primary School. The Advisory Committee reserves the right to terminate the enrolment of any child if disruptive behaviour persists, after reasonable efforts have been made to involve the child in the program, and after parental involvement and counselling for the child. We encourage children to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

 

Vacation Care A separate program will be formulated prior to the holidays by our staff, giving parents the opportunity to plan their child care needs. Vacation Care programs are focused on the children’s current interests, providing a variety of activities. These range from creative art, drama, craft, cooking, construction, sports, computer, Playstation2, Gameboys and videos. Also interesting visitors and special lunch days. Children are required to bring their own lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, as they do during the school term. The only exception to this, is when the Vacation Program states a specific food day. Please read the program carefully. Suitable clothing and footwear are also a requirement for Vacation Care.

 

Program Inclusive Directions (Special Needs/Multicultural) incorporated. Staff and children plan together to create a diverse program that reflects their interests in recreational activities. The children run their own clinics in different sports, and we have a very successful Homework Club. Classes are given to provide opportunity for children to broaden their skills and experiences -  eg. sewing, cooking, dance. We encourage positive social interaction, resulting in teamwork and confidence. The weekly program is scribed on the whiteboard, and a copy posted on the OSHC room door. Parents/Guardians are welcome to have a copy of the program, and are encouraged to contribute any ideas.

 

Policy We have all policies required by the National Standards, available for your perusal, and we are currently reviewing these to incorporate Quality Assurance.  e.g. Safety, Grievance Procedure etc.

 

Sponsor Gumeracha PS Governing Council is our sponsor. "Together We Achieve the Extraordinary".

 

Management Committee Gumeracha OSHC Advisory Committee operates under the schools' constitution, and consists of, the school Principal, OSHC Director, Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. School Council is the Governing Body. Parent participation in the Advisory Committee is greatly encouraged. All interested parties are welcome to attend at any time. Notification of upcoming meetings is scribed on the OSHC blackboard, and minutes from previous meetings are distributed to those who attended.

 

Staff Our staff have qualifications recognised by the Department of Education and Children's Services. The Governing Council employs staff who have a strong commitment to our service and community. Staff are enthusiastic, observant and caring, they strive to build meaningful, trusting relationships with the children in their care.   Cheryl Peters - Director Mary Vivian - Children's Services Professional   Along with many other  recognised qualifications, Cheryl and Mary hold Diplomas in child Care (OSHC), plus Senior First Aid Certificates. Gumeracha OSHC meets the Accreditation standards required by DETE. Single Staffing Was introduced to make small services viable. A maximum of twelve children to a single staff member, is regulation. This staff member, along with approved qualifications, must hold a Senior First Aid Certificate. NB – As we provide care for 11 hours in Vacation Care, we have a morning and afternoon staff. The Committee and staff believe this provides a more stimulating level of care for all concerned. Senior staff members employed by the service are well qualified, and hold a Diploma in Children’s Services (OSHC) in addition to other related professional qualifications.

 

Role of parents Parents are encouraged to take and active interest in the program by: helping as a volunteer contributing ideas and resources, such as art, craft and raw materials etc. serving on the Management Committee supporting fundraising and social events.   Parents have the responsibility to: Collect children on time notify staff if they are going to be late cancel bookings not required ensure staff are aware of change in a child's physical and emotional condition advise of enrolment information changes