Optimus Template

We wish to extend a warm welcome to PGPS Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) aftercare programs.

Philosophy
Pender's Grove Primary School Council has recognised the need, and is committed to providing school age childcare to families within the school community. In response to this need School Council has developed a quality program that is socially just and validates all regardless of gender, culture or religion. This program operates in a caring, protective and supportive manner that values the importance of play in middle childhood and aims to develop children's self esteem. The program operates during hours which will allow parents to pursue employment and/or training.

History
The OSHC program has been operating at Penders Grove P.S. for about 20 years. At that time students from St. Mary's P.S. were included. In 2005 we became an independent program.

Venue
The program operates from the school hall and facilities include the school hall and kitchen, program room, computer room, indoor toilets and adventure playground.

Funded Places
The program operate as a 'single staff' program with 15 funded places. There is approval to accommodate up to 25 places in the program with an additional staff member employed.

Priority of Acccess

• Students of  parent/s who are employed, seeking employment or studying and training for future employment.
• Students with siblings already attending the program.
• Students of parents with a continuing disability or incapacity.
• Students at risk of serious abuse or neglect.
• Students with parents at home with more than one child below school age and single parents at home.

The program will ensure that the organisational arrangements and activities undertaken as part of the program are inclusive of all groups in the community in which the service operates.

Quality Assurance

• The program is registered with the National Childcare Accreditation Council to participate in the Quality Assurance / Accreditation process.

All information supplied by parents/carers is strictly confidential. PGPS affords equal opportunity to all studnents, parents/carers and staff.

Management Structure
The program is managed by a sub-committee including parents and staff members and reports to School Council.

Enrolments
All students MUST be registered to attend the program. Registration forms can be obtained from the school office or the program and completed forms must be returned to the school office. Parents can opt to make a permanent booking or casual booking (if places available).

Signing In / Out
All students must be signed IN by the coordinator and OUT of the OSHC After Care Program by a parent/carer.

Authority To Collect Children
Students can only be collected by an adult nominated on the registration form. If the student is to be collected by someone else this information must be provided beforehand.

Protective Care
The safety of the students attending the program is of paramount importance and staff are aware of their legal responsibilities in fulfilling their duty of care.

Medical Details
All students' relevant medical details must be provided by the parent/carer upon registration. Changes must be advised promptly.

Fees

Child Care Benefits are available through an application to the Family Assistance Office (accessed through Centrelink).

Payment of Fees
Fees to be paid either after use or upon receipt of invoices/statements posted fortnightly.

Late Fees
Late pick ups of students (after 6.00 p.m.) will incur a late fee which is NOT eligible for Child Care Benefits. The fees (per child) are $20 for the first 5 minutes (or part thereof) and then $20 per 15 minutes (or part thereof) there after

Non-payment
Continuing non-payment of fees may result in exclusion from the program. Please call the office to discuss if these are any difficulties with payment.

Student Welfare

• Any accidents or illnesses will be reported promptly to parents/carers.
• Copies of current court orders must be provided to the Coordinator.
• All information supplied is strictly confidential.

Emergency Procedures
The students and the coordinator regularly practice emergency drills.

Hours of Operation

Please phone the coordinator Carla Ori during program times or the school office during school hours if more information is required.