Local students and families will enjoy new Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) facilities and better access to care with a new OSHC hub delivered at Kelso Public School.
The $40 million OSHC Hub Program was announced in February last year and includes 91 hubs across the state, providing new facilities for up to 4,800 students. The aim of the program is to cut waiting times in areas of high demand, and to fill gaps in access to services across the state.
Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, said the new facility at Kelso Public School will be a great addition to the school community.
“The hub program is a fantastic initiative. These services are so important to our local communities, with the support and flexibility they offer families.
“It’s equally important that we invest in providing young children with safe places to play, socialise and enjoy themselves, whether before or after school, or on their school holidays.
“This hub will accommodate 45 students and comes with a play space, toilets and kitchen with separate administration and storage areas,” Mr Toole said.
The OSHC hubs are modular custom-designed buildings with play space, kitchen, administration, toilet, and storage areas. The buildings are constructed off site and come in three sizes, accommodating either 30, 45 or 60 students.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that more than 50 hubs have been installed at schools across the state so far, with the remainder to be delivered to school sites over the next 12 months.
“The NSW Government is committed to looking after families and we have worked hard to expand services and support the sector over the past few years.
“A key part of this is to provide new infrastructure but we have also funded a range of other projects and initiatives, including the successful Before and After School Care Voucher Program and a number of grant programs,” Ms Mitchell said.
As of October 2022, the NSW Government has delivered a net increase of 221 OSHC services and 20,282 places across NSW since July 2019.
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