Parents across the region are urged to have their say on Before and After School Care, with the NSW Government launching an ‘expressions of interest’ page via Service NSW this week.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the NSW Government is ramping up the implementation of their election commitment to make Before and After School Care available to children at all Government primary schools across our region and the rest of the State by 2021.
“The Liberals & Nationals know how important it is for families in our local communities to have access to flexible, affordable and convenient child care services, which is why we are rapidly rolling out this initiative,” Mr Constance said.
“The Service NSW website will help us understand your needs, give us rich insights into where there are gaps in service delivery and help us to ensure the extra places and new services go to where they will make the most difference first.
“Parents can also use the Service NSW site to stay up to date with any new developments in their area.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that applications have also opened for grants to assist Before and After School Care services to set up or expand their services with the costs of new facilities and equipment.
“This Government’s $120 million investment in Before and After School Care includes $50 million for new equipment and facilities; $40 million for rental subsidies to reduce costs to parents and $20 million to help schools where a standalone service may not be viable, including smaller schools and rural and remote communities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We will work closely with our schools, P&Cs, principals and parents – as well as the before and after school care sector – to develop flexible and creative solutions that offer parents support and choice, as well as ensuring schools have the equipment and resourcing they need to deliver these wonderful services,” Ms Mitchell said.
A new specialist team in the Department of Education will also be created to coordinate services and manage leases to relieve this burden from principals.
