Outside School Hours Care FAQs

FAQs

What is an orientation appointment?

An orientation appointment is a compulsory appointment where you and your child will attend the service prior to enrolment.

At the orientation

  • Your child will have an opportunity to play and interact with the children already in care, while educators go through your enrolment form with you to determine whether they can meet your care needs.
  • You will be able to get a feel for the educational environment and find out more about the service routines before you proceed to commence enrolment and start care.

What is included in my child care fees?

High quality education and care delivered through individualised programs, provided by qualified educators.

Meals

  • Toast and spreads are available of a morning, however if your child would prefer cereal for breakfast, please bring it with you and we will supply your child with milk.
  • Afternoon tea is provided, which includes fruit or vegetables and other nutritious, savoury snacks.

What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and how to apply?

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an assistance from the Federal Government to help families using approved child care, with the cost of their child care fees.

Apply for CCS

You will need to register and complete a Child Care Subsidy assessment using your Centrelink online account through myGov , or you may not receive any child care fee assistance.

Once assessed, you will receive a notice from the Department of Human Services to confirm your eligibility.

What is a holding deposit?

All families are required to have a holding deposit held on their account.

The holding deposit is the equivalent of one week's fees and is used to pay the last week of care provided your account is up to date, you have given two weeks written notice to cease care and your child attends their last booked day of care.

When do I need to pay my fees?

Our policy is that at a minimum, child care accounts are kept one week in advance (holding deposit).

Families may choose to pay their fees weekly, fortnightly or monthly, however, this must always be in advance, not arrears.

What happens if I don't pay my fees on time?

If your account is not up to date, you will be contacted to advise of the arrears and a date that they are to be paid by.

If your fees are still not paid by the date and you have not spoken to the Administration Team to make alternative arrangements, the service will not be able to accept your children into care until payment is made or a payment plan has been arranged.

If a payment is not received, your child’s place at the service will no longer be available and any outstanding fees will need to be paid in full before any future enrolments can be considered.

What are absences and how many am I allowed?

Child Care Subsidy is paid for a child's absences from care for up to 42 days, per financial year.

Once your child has reached 42 days of allowable absences, a medical certificate must be provided for Child Care Subsidy to be paid.

How much notice do I require to cease care?

If you wish to cease care, you are required to provide two weeks written notice.

How do I receive a refund of my advance fees?

You will need to complete an electronic refund form which can also be made available to you at the service. The electronic refund form should be completed and submitted at the same time as your ceasing care form.

What if I am late picking up my child from care?

The following procedure will be implemented for one or more occasions in a calendar year:

  • The first time you pick your child up late, you will be given a reminder about the service’s hours of operation.
  • If this occurs again a charge as per Council's Fees and Charges will be added to your child care account.
  • If you are late picking up your child a third time, a charge will again be added to your child care account and your child’s position at the service will be reviewed.

How will I receive information from Education and Care Services?

To help us save the environment:

  • We'll ask you to provide an email address when you enrol in our services
  • Statements, parent newsletters and other information will all be sent to you electronically.

Need more information?

Contact our Administration Team:

  • Call our team on 02 4645 4443
  • Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.