Philosophy

St Andrew's OSHC provides a meaningful program, which incorporates the value of play and the importance of middle childhood with elements of daily real-life experiences. We recognise freedom of choice in experiences, balanced with age-appropriate programming and opportunity for support of child-initiated planning.

Children, parents, staff and relevant community members are treated with respect and their views in relation to the proper operation if the service are considered and valued. The service recognises and rspects parents as primarily responsible for the upbringing, protection and development of their children.The service ams to support parents in that role, to the greatest extent reaonably possible.

The service does not discriminate and is inclusive of all children from prep-school to Year 7. The service encourages and welcomes open discussion with all on all issues relevant to the services's operation.

Service Aim

• To provide the children with a caring and friendly service
• To create an environment to cater to the needs of all children
• To ensure children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety
• To encourage the particiaption of children in a variety of activities
• To encourage healthy eating as well as develop physical, emotional, intellectual and social skills.

Eligibility:

The program is open to all children attending St. Andrew’s Catholic School; however, we do welcome children from other schools for Vacation Care and Pupil Free Days. Prep school children are eligible to enroll for OSHC once they have actually commenced prep-school, and the service may be used on a full-time, part-time, occasional or emergency basis. While preference of places is given to working families, children at risk, or families who are in full time study, vacancies may be given to other families if available.

Parent/Carer Involvement

Our centre has an open door policy, which means you are most welcome to come and spend time with your child. The staff will work with you and your child to ensure they feel safe, happy and welcome at the centre.

As parents you are welcome to visit during hours of operation to ensure confidence in the service provided. A continuing exchange of ideas and information is important and enhanced with open communication and we welcome any suggestions or comments you may have.

Your involvement in the centre can vary depending on your availability and provides much needed resources for the centre for e.g. being involved in working bees, donations or being a member of the Advisory Committee.

As parents of children enrolled at our OSHC, staff recognises that you are the primary carers of your child. The participation of parents in the centre’s Advisory Committee can help ensure that the centre is responsive to the needs and desires of parents.

Management

OSHC centres in the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese are managed for and on behalf of local Catholic Parishes and Brisbane Catholic Education by Centacare Child Care Services.

The centre is an approved child care service and receives Child Care Benefit (CCB) funding through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the legal entity, The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

The centre aims to provide care for school aged children attending the program before and after school and during the school holidays (as applicable). It is through the dedication of our staff that a safe, caring and fun recreational environment can be provided.

As a licensed centre, OSHC is required to comply with the Child Care Act 2002 and the Child Care Regulation 2003 and this is achieved with the support and guidance of a Regional Coordinator from CCCS.

Please take the time to read this handbook as the following information has been prepared to assist you and your child’s transition into school aged care.

The policies and procedures under which the centre operates are available upon request from your centre as are the Child Care Act 2002 and Child Care Regulations 2003.

[Refer to Parent Information Fact Sheet 6 – Vision, Mission & Values and Philosophy and Goals for CCCS and OSHC].

Venue

OSHC is located at the rear of the school, in the Multi-Purpose Building known as “Toogoolawa”. Vehicle entry to the school is prohibited from 7.30am to 9.00am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm (on school days). Parking is available in the main car park before 7.30am and after 3.30pm. Vehicle entry to Goat track is for industrial & delivery vehicles only.