Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith, welcomed the Government announcement that all public schools will get extended before and after school care, and holiday care from 7am to 6pm to make life easier for families.
“A re-elected NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest $120 million to dramatically expand before and after school care by 2021, to provide families with children at public primary schools more access to affordable, convenient and flexible services,” said Mr Ayres.
“Many kids around Penrith have both of their parents working, and by offering expanded care at their school we are helping to remove some of the stress about trying to juggle work and school hours.
“Having before and after school care on site at the school will be a huge help in relieving some pressure for working parents, offering good care and flexibility.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that the new policy will see public primary schools in Sydney, Newcastle, Illawarra, the Central Coast and major regional centres, open their playgrounds, halls or classrooms for before and after school care and school holiday care from 7am to 6pm to primary school aged children.
“We know a major challenge for working families is accessing affordable and convenient before and after school care,” Ms Berejiklian said. “I want to ensure that care is available to everyone who needs it and at a location that is convenient.
The NSW Government will also reduce the cost of before and after school care by up to $225 per child per year, through a capped rental subsidy of up to $15,000 for providers who use school grounds to provide services.
“The Liberals & Nationals will work closely with the before and after school care sector to implement the roll-out of these initiatives.”
The $120 million strategy includes:
- $50 million over four years to help schools buy new equipment and expand their facilities;
- $40 million over four years to provide rental subsidies to service providers located at public primary schools if they can demonstrate savings have been passed on to families;
- $20 million over four years for an implementation fund focused on schools where a standalone service may not be viable, including smaller schools and rural and remote communities;
- $8.5 million over four years for a team of specialists to help coordinate services and resources on an area or regional basis, to make it easier to setup and maintain a service and to take the hassle out of managing contracts with providers for principals; and
- $2 million for a new website and mobile app to allow parents and carers to search for and book student places online.
