Out of School Hours Care
BNWPS OSHC Program
Brunswick North West Primary School’s Outside School Hours Care service provides a
welcoming, fun and safe environment for children whose parents work, study, or simply need a bit of child-free time.
Our OSHC offers loads of opportunities for children to develop social, emotional, physical, and creative skills through play and recreational activities.
The BNWPS OSHC service is rated as Exceeding National Quality Standards.
Fun stuff for kids
What do you do? A choice of outdoor/indoor and active/passive activities is available to all children and the program for the week is displayed on the OSHC noticeboard and in the weekly newsletter. Opportunities to choose arts & crafts, reading, music, games and puzzles, sports & games, complete homework or just chill out and chat with friends are all available each day. Children may also choose between big and small group activities and individual pursuits. There are also several clubs that children show a big interest in, such as:
- Cooking Club/ Bush Tucker
- Sewing Club
- Science Club
- Gardening Club
- Catch up and Research (Homework) Club
- Visits to Yakai Barring
- Excursions to Jacob Reserve & Dunstan Reserve (for Grade 4-6 students)
What do you eat?
A wide range of nutritious and exciting foods are offered and menus vary daily. Breakfast is available at Before School Care (a variety of cereals, toast, porridge, fresh fruit), and in the afternoons the children enjoy selections from a seasonal fresh fruit and vegetable platter, before being offered an additional snack such as warm soup, cheese and dips, muffins, veggie curry pie, fried rice, rice & dahl, etc. Allergies and special dietary needs are catered for. Water is available to drink at all times and children are encouraged to bring their own drink bottle.
Important stuff for parents
The service runs every day of the school term with extended hours to cover early dismissal on the last day of the term. When there is sufficient demand, the service will also open on Student Free Days.
Hours of Operation
Before School Care (BSC): 7.00 am– 8:45 am
After School Care (ASC): 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Student Free Day: 7:30 am - 6 pm
School Holiday Program (SHP): 8 am - 6 pm
Please note: SHP only operates during autumn, winter, and spring breaks. SHP does not operate during summer break.
Enrolments
To enroll in the OSHC service each family needs to complete an enrolment form online through My Xplor.
The enrolment form collects details of children and parents/carers, including Centrelink reference numbers, parent and child dates of birth, emergency contacts and other people authorized to collect the children, details of allergies or medical conditions, custody details (if there are any), food preferences, and general interests, etc. It is essential to provide all this information to adequately care for your child/ren, as well as meet government requirements, so please allow yourself sufficient time to complete the forms.
Foundation Orientation Program
In the first few weeks, Foundation students and students attending After School Care for the first time will be collected by an educator from their classroom until they feel confident to make their way to the OSHC. They will be shown around and a buddy will help them ease into the program and routines.
Bookings
Our service provides both casual and permanent bookings through an online system. For emergency/late bookings families need to contact the OSHC mobile phone (0478 836264). If your child will not be attending a booked session, you must cancel on the Home Xplor app or call to let us know. Note: Fees apply if children do not attend a booked session (please refer to fee policy for details).
Financial Assistance
Before a child starts using the OSHC service families should contact and notify Centrelink through myGov that their child will be attending an out-of-school hours care service and be assessed for CCS (Child Care Subsidy). Even if your Foundation child has previously attended a child care service, you must still need to confirm that they are now school-aged. Families may choose not to deal with Centrelink but full fees will apply.
Parent Involvement
OSHC is run by a sub-committee of the School Council comprising parents and staff. New committee members are welcomed each year. The OSHC committee meets twice a term, and parents are encouraged to attend.
Educators
All educators hold a current ‘Working with Children Check’, and police check and qualifications relevant to their position. Educators are trained in anaphylaxis management and have current first-aid training. Participation in professional development and training is strongly encouraged and each staff member contributes a unique set of interests and professional skills to the OSHC program.
Further information
Initial inquiries can be made via email, in person, or over the phone. For more detailed information please refer to the OSHC Parent Handbook, Policy & Procedures Manual, and Children's Handbook available electronically:
BNWPS OSHC Policies and Procedures 2024
Children's Handbook 2024
To view OSHC Fees: click here
OSHC mobile: 0478 836 264
Email: oshc.brunswick.nw.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Child Safety Standards:
Family Resources:
Protecting Children From Abuse: for Parents and Carers
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