OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

OVERVIEW

The Wheelers Hill Primary School O.S.H.C. program was established in 1996 by a group of parents who realised the need for services to help working parents.

The O.S.H.C. program is set-up to cater for the needs of Primary School aged children and their families Before School, After School, during Non -Teaching days and School Holidays. The service meets the recreational, social and developmental needs of children, as well as their families requirement for care.

Before School Care (BSC) and After School Care (ASC) were first started with small numbers attending. Vacation Care (VC) soon followed with 30 children attending.

The program has grown and developed into the excellent service we offer today. This service is recognised throughout Victoria as an example of high quality childcare and has regular visits from other professionals.

PHILOSOPHY

We provide a quality program for all children in an enjoyable and relaxed environment, where the importance of play is valued .

AIMS

• Include and welcome children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs.
• Provide appropriate programs based on the development and interests of primary aged children and their individual needs.
• Provide relaxed social learning environments.
• Promote warm and friendly relationships between staff, parents and children while ensuring that they respect other children, staff and the school.
• Encourage in individuals a responsibility of others.
• Comply with Quality Assurance and National Standards.
• Ensure the program complements and enhances the school's activities and is consistent with school philosophy.
• Ensure the safety of all children during all aspects of the program.
• Abide by Wheelers Hill Primary School welfare and discipline policy and the O.S.H.C. program policies.

The O.S.H.C. program has a policy handbook, which includes all policies and procedures relating to the running of the out of school hours care program.

The Parent Sub-Committee, Staff and the School Principal review policies and procedures yearly.

A copy is kept in the O.S.H.C. office and is available on request.

MANAGEMENT

The Wheelers Hill Primary School 's School Council sponsors the O.S.H.C. program. The O.S.H.C. Sub-Committee consists of parents who use the O.S.H.C. program, plus staff and the school principal.

The Sub-Committee the running of the program and ensures the quality of care.

Parents are encouraged to attend the Sub-Committee meetings and become actively involved in the running of the program.

The Principal oversees day-to-day business of the O.S.H.C. program, while the Co-ordinator manages and implements the program.

All correspondence relating to the program can be addressed to the Co-ordinator or the School Principal.

The program's key venue is the Community Room and the allocated outdoor play area, located within the grounds of the Wheelers Hill Primary School .

The venue includes the following facilities:

• Safe indoor and outdoor areas
• A rest and quiet area
• Kitchen area for preparation of food, approved by the Victorian Government Department of Health
• Secure storage
• Telephone
• Toilet and washing facilities
• Fire extinguishers and comprehensive first aid kits

PROGRAMS

We offer Before and After School Care programs, Prep Early Finish, Curriculum/Pupil Free days and Vacation Care Programs.

OPERATING HOURS

Before School Care 7am – 8.45am

After School Care 3.30pm – 6pm

Prep Early Finish 2pm – 3.30pm during February

Curriculum/Pupil Free Days 7am – 6pm

Vacation Care 7 am – 6pm

Vacation Care is offered during Term Holidays Except during 2 weeks over the Christmas period.