NSW Before and After School Care: $7.8m grant to help train carers to support teachers, students
A multimillion-dollar initiative could see Before and After School carers take on a more active role in the playground during school hours. See how your child’s school can get involved.
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Before and after school carers are set to get trained up into helping teachers with classroom and school playground duties across the state — as part of a multimillion-dollar initiative by the NSW Government.
A massive $7.8 million program will see $60,000 innovation and $80,000 development grants rolled out to Before and After School Care providers to offer new services and train staff.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell revealed exclusive to NewsLocal the innovation funding aimed to support students with additional needs and “support more NSW families”.
Meanwhile, Ms Mitchell said the development grants would enable providers to train staff and promote programs for students.
Ms Mitchell called on providers to apply for the grants to “deliver new and innovative educational activities with community partnerships, and to look at upskilling their staff”.
“Given Before and After School Care is not a 9 to 5 job for educators, these grants could support services to offer improved professional development for their staff, which will be critical in sustaining the workforce and ultimately expanding the range of services available,” Ms Mitchell said.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Matt Kean said the grants will have flexibility, so services could decide how best to spend the funds.
“Whether it’s funding for pilot programs, sport lessons or digital equipment, we want the best ideas to help providers deliver quality care to students,” Mr Kean said. “We know how important these services are for our communities, providing working parents with a range of options for their child to have a safe place to play, learn and socialise.”
Before and After School Care provider, TheirCare, run services at Jannali East and Engadine West public schools, with regional manager Peter Broadhurst telling NewsLocal the organisation were keen to apply to fund a sports and arts initiative for local students.
“TheirCare’s would use the Innovation & Developmental grants to create a bespoke program called ‘TcTitans’,” Mr Broadhurst said.
“A sports and arts focused program, aimed at equipping children with a new skill’s, enhancing their learning experiences, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.”
Mr Broadhurst said the TheirCare program would run over five weeks and train educators to run the program.
“TheirCare supports any investment from the NSW Government in the OSHC sector that enable us to provide even more value and greater enjoyment in our OSHC services,” he said.
“We’ve all had a rough few years with the pandemic, and this assistance along with the BASC voucher program have been instrumental in the investment and viability of future OSHC programs.
“We have a number of exciting ideas in the pipeline that can now be brought to life that will be enriching, meaningful and provide a sense of belonging.”
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