Before and After School Care

Each COSHC is different in terms of how many spaces are available. Should you require information on availability of spaces please, discuss with the specific COSHC you are interested in.

We recommended you register your child early to avoid disappointment. Parents with Kindergarten children should register for COSHC once their enrolment at the school is confirmed.

If positions are available, we can provide a place for your child and may provide emergency care for families on short notice.

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta employs qualified and experienced staff. COSHC staff are committed to and supported in their ongoing professional development and industry specific training to enhance their provision of quality care.

All COSHC services abide by the policies and procedures of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

COSHC specific policies and procedures supporting the provision of quality care are also in place across all our Catholic Out of School Hours Care services, including:

• Absent and Missing Children Policy
• Acceptable Use of ICT Policy
• Accident and Incident Policy
• Anti Bullying Policy
• Arrivals, Departures and Access Policy
• Behaviour Management Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Complaint Handling Policy
• Critical Incident Management Policy
• Emergency and Evacuation Policy
• Enrolment and Orientation Policy
• Fee Policy
• Fee Schedules (Centre specific)
• Food and Nutrition Policy
• Hazardous Materials in Schools Policy
• Late Pick Up Policy
• Locating Absent and Missing Children Procedure (Centre Specific)
• Medication Policy
• Occupational Health and Safety Policy
• Privacy Information Policy
• School Excursion Policy
• Sun Protection Policy
• Toileting Procedure (Centre Specific)

For a copy of any COSHC policies and procedures please contact the COSHC Supervisor.

Each COSHC offers a range of child focused activities, both programmed and free play, for children of all primary school ages to participate in such as:

• outdoor play – team sports, group games and free choice activities
• physical activity – dancing, indoor and outdoor play
• craft
• cooking
• board games
• dramatic play
• construction
• reading
• free play activities

Yes – given the variety of activities the children can participate in there is always something for the children to enjoy, indoors or outdoors.

Specific areas are designated for homework, and whilst completing homework is not compulsory, children will be encouraged to complete homework at COSHC, dependent upon family needs.

Yes - a wide brimmed or bucket style hat for outdoor play. Other than this, children are not required to bring anything to care.

An enrolment fee is due for payment prior to commencement at the centre.

Invoices are issued fortnightly and are to be paid by the due date noted on each invoice.

Also see: Am I able to claim the any Child Care Subsidy?

Our COSHC services are approved services for the Child Care Subsidy. Subsidy amounts are calculated and approved by the Australian Government Department of Human Services.

The parent or carer must register and apply for the Child Care Subsidy through MyGov website or App. Parents or Carers registered for the Child Care Subsidy must be the 'Account Holder' with COSHC and needs to provide the relevant COSHC centre with the correct Customer Reference Number (CRN) and date of birth for:

• The parent/carer, and
• Each child attending COSHC (there is a separate CRN for each child).

The parent's/carer's Child Care Subsidy will be paid fortnightly to the COSHC to further reduce the weekly fee.

For more information on the Child Care Subsidy and eligibility, please visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy.

Breakfast is provided each day in centres open for before school care; times will vary between individual centres. Afternoon tea snack is provided.

Please inform your COSHC in advance if your child has any special dietary needs or requirements.

Notify the centre by phone as soon as possible and advise staff of your expected arrival time so preparations can be made for your child and our staff. Please note there is a Late Pick up Policy that includes a late pick up fee.

Parents and carers nominate in advance authorised people to have permission to collect their children and as emergency contacts if parents/carers cannot be contacted. These authorised people are listed on the child’s Enrolment form and can be updated by the parent/carer at any time in writing.

Authorised people must be 16 years of age or over and supply suitable photo ID.

Yes, if your child has a particular food intolerance, or special allergy requirement, please discuss and inform your COSHC. Should they require a specific range of products, you may be required to supply specific foods.  Every effort will be made to ensure your child is catered for in an inclusive manner. Changes to your child’s food or allergy requirements will need to be made in writing.

Anaphylactic Response

If your child has been diagnosed with a life threatening allergic reaction, please provide the centre with a letter form the doctor with instruction on the procedures for the appropriate emergency response. Families are to provide medication, with written authorisation and are responsible for monitoring the ‘use by date’ on medication.

Vacation care is offered at selected COSHC services based on a centralised approach aimed at providing a cost effective service that will meet the needs of families at all COSHC services. Programs and fees for each holiday are available through the individual services.

Payment and booking is required in advance to secure your child’s position at vacation care.

All children booked for excursion days are taken on the excursion. Other COSHC services may be able to offer alternative care for the day if the parent/carer requires this and if the COSHC is notified at the time of booking.

Parents/carers are responsible for dropping off and picking up children from the alternative service.