OSHC

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Preschool

St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral College - 2 St Mary's Road, Sydney, NSW 2000

SCECS St Mary's Cathedral Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) delivers high quality Before School Care 7:00am to 9:00am and After School Care 3:00pm to 6:00pm at St Mary's Cathedral College for children in Kindergarten to Year Six. Our OSHC Programs are delivered by knowledgeable educators and provide nutritious meals, homework help, and an indoor and outdoor play-based learning program.

Enrol Now Handbook Charter

02 9568 8628

stmcathedral.oshc@syd.catholic.edu.au

BSC: 7:00am - 9:00am*
ASC: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

* Dependent on sufficient demand

Our Philosophy

We believe that we are founded on the person of Jesus Christ and enlivened by the gospel.

We believe that each child, family and educator is unique and valued individually. We value and honour diversity and accept and celebrate differences in other people. We believe each person and their family’s values, culture, beliefs, abilities and language should be acknowledged and accepted and reflected in our OSHC environment.

We believe that secure, respectful and nurturing relationships are foundational to a child’s sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Our educators provide opportunities for children to develop a strong sense of wellbeing and social competence, where qualities of fairness, humour, empathy and understanding are developed.

We believe play is essential in children’s lives. We believe play values the ideal of allowing children to “just be” as a right of all children. We believe play should be fun, exciting, spontaneous, hands-on, stimulating, relaxing, comforting and challenging.

Indoor and outdoor play will be part of the daily rhythm of the OSHC program.

We believe children are capable, resourceful and valued members of the community. We believe children should be encouraged and supported to follow their learning interests. Activities during service hours will be matched to children’s interests, providing meaningful and engaging opportunities to create, explore and build knowledge and understanding.

We believe in supporting and developing a partnership with families to share in the nurturing and education of their children.

We encourage each family to participate in the SCECS community and support and welcome their interest and involvement.

Daily Fees 2025

Before School Care

$24

After School Care

$36.50

Please note that casual bookings are available for an additional

$2.00 per session

Some images of our service

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Child care subsidy calculator

A majority of the families are eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can help in reducing the cost by up to 80%. We've created this Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility and subsidy amount.

Calculate

Frequently asked questions

Can you cater for my child's disability?

At SCECS we are an inclusive environment who provides for children with additional needs and is available to every child. For specific advice on how we could best accommodate your child/ren, you should speak with the Coordinator at the SCECS service you are interested in.

Will the number of children attending OSHC be capped?

Yes, each service is licensed to operate with a maximum number of children based on the physical space available to each service.

Can I swap a permanently booked session for another as a one-off?

No, we are unable to cater to session swaps due to staffing requirements.

Will I be charged for permanent bookings that fall on a public holiday?

No, if your booking falls on a public holiday you will not be charged for this.

I need to terminate my care arrangements, how do I do this?

To cease care, you are required to provide 2 weeks’ written notice. If you are receiving CCS, please note that CCS is not payable for any absences after your child’s last day of physical attendance. Therefore, you are required to attend your last booked day of care to ensure that CCS is paid.

I booked a casual session but my child is unwell, what do I do?

It is important to notify your service via email if your child is not attending a booked session. Please note that as a casual booking, you will not be charged provided that notice is given prior to 5:00pm the day before.

I have a permanent booking but my child is unwell, what do I do?

It is important to notify your service via email if your child is not attending a booked session. Please note that if the absence falls on a day that is booked permanently you will still be charged for the session. For flexible care arrangements, please contact your service to discuss casual bookings.

I need a last minute casual booking, who do I contact?

We recommend that you contact our Customer Service team on (02) 9568 8628 to request a casual booking. Please note that such requests can only be accommodated if the service can operate within the legislated staffing ratios.

Can I make a casual booking?

Yes, your child is welcome to attend on a casual basis dependent on session availability at time of booking. Please email your service to request a casual booking.

Should I enrol even though I may not use the service?

Yes! It is free to enrol with SCECS and you will have peace of mind knowing that if an unexpected emergency arises, your child is welcome to attend our service based on session availability. If your child is not enrolled, you will not be able to use the service regardless of the circumstances.

How do I enrol?

Click here to access our guide to using Storypark Manage. The guide will show you how to enrol and request care.

Will we still be eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Yes, SCECS is an approved Australian child care provider. CCS is paid directly to SCECS based on family entitlements. Families are required to pay the gap, also known as the out of pocket fee.

I have never claimed CCS, how do I know what my out of pocket cost will be?

To get an estimate of your family entitlements, use our CCS calculator found under fee information on your service webpage. This will allow you to view how much your gap fee could be.

How do I claim CCS?

To claim CCS you will need to make a claim with Centrelink via this link.

How do I claim CCS?

To claim CCS you will need to make a claim with Centrelink via this link.

I have never claimed CCS, how do I know what my out of pocket cost will be?

To get an estimate of your family entitlements, use our CCS calculator found under fee information on your service webpage. This will allow you to view how much your gap fee could be.

Will we still be eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Yes, SCECS is an approved Australian child care provider. CCS is paid directly to SCECS based on family entitlements. Families are required to pay the gap, also known as the out of pocket fee.

My child has a medical condition. Do I need to provide anything?

If your child only attends during Vacation Care you will need to provide the service with their medication for the . The service will require completed authorisation forms and medications prior to attending your first day of care. Please note that medication must be provided in its original packaging with prescription labels attached.

What do I need to bring to Vacation Care?

Your child should wear sun safe clothing, including a hat and enclosed shoes and pack a water bottle, morning tea and lunch. SCECS will provide sunscreen, breakfast, and afternoon tea. Please note that Vacation Care is a nut free environment due to allergies.

What does base fee mean?

Vacation Care has a base fee per day. However, depending on the type of activity taking place there could be an additional charge depending on what is involved. Please check your service program for the total fee for each day. Note: CCS is applied to the total fee.

How do I cancel a vacation care booking?

You are required to provide 7 days’ written notice to cancel a vacation care booking. If you do not provide 7 days’ written notice, you will be charged the full fee including any extra charges (minus any CCS if applicable).

How do I make a vacation care booking?

You must be enrolled with SCECS to attend our Vacation Care program. In order to make a booking, you will need to complete a booking form. The booking form can be found on your service webpage, along with the program. Upon receiving your booking form, the service will confirm in writing whether you have received your requested days.

Will you offer vacation care onsite?

Yes, if there is sufficient demand from families. If the demand is insufficient, families are welcome to attend any SCECS Vacation Care service that is most convenient for the family. Please note that you will not be required to re-enrol.

What is the quality of SCECS vacation care program?

The programs our qualified and experienced teams provide are specifically designed with each child and service in mind – you won’t find the same program at each SCECS service! A new program is carefully put together each vacation period, keeping our programs exciting and new. We offer a variety of fun experiences including games, drama, physical activity, cooking, craft, STEM activities, gardening and so much more.

What qualifications do SCECS staff have?

We employ a variety of staff ranging in qualifications from Early Childhood Teachers (4 to 5 year University Trained); Diploma trained staff (2 year TAFE or RTO trained), Certificate 111 trained staff (6 months TAFE or RTO trained), trainees (Undertalking on the job training), Clerical staff and Cook/Chefs who hold either a certificate 111, IV or Diploma in Commerical Cookery or Hospitality.

All our staff undertake regular professional goal setting and training to keep abreast of current research developmemnts in the field of Early Childhood Education as well as maintain Teacher Accreditation Standards.

What is the ratio of children to staff?

In NSW, the educator to child ratio is 1:4 for 0-2 year old children, 1:5 for 2-3 year old children and 1:10 for 3-6 year old children. SCECS uses this law as a minimum standard and in most circumstances employs more staff to children.

What qualifications do SCECS OSHC staff have?

All staff employed by SCECS must have a Working With Children Check (WWCC), and our Coordinator holds First Aid in Education and Care Setting, Child Protection and a Diploma of Children’s Services (or is working towards completion). SCECS actively encourages all educators to undertake first aid courses, and offers other professional development opportunities, including traineeships.

How will you ensure the safety of our children?

At SCECS, safety of our children, staff and families is our number one concern. The Educator to Child ratio of 1:15 for OSHC services applies in NSW. This ratio means that for every 15 children in an OSHC service, there needs to be 1 Educator available. For example, for 30 children, 2 Educators working directly with the children.Our staff will be supervising at all times to ensure the safety of all. Risk assessments will be completed to ensure that any risks have been mitigated. ‍

‍Our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety: SCECS is a Child Safe Organisation dedicated to the Protection of every child in our care. SCECS aims to create environments where children’s safety and wellbeing is the centre of thought, values and actions. This framework is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the rights of Children and aims to ensure that every child’s safety and wellbeing is maintained.

What is the ratio of children to staff?

In NSW, the educator to child ratio is 1:15. This ratio means that for every 15 children that are present, there must be one educator on supervision. However, at SCECS, we have a minimum of 2 staff regardless of whether there are less than 15 children present.

Do you provide breakfast and afternoon tea?

Yes, we provide a range of nutritional, healthy foods for breakfast and afternoon tea. We are guided by the Eat Smart Play Smart (ESPS) manual. Each session, we offer a mix of various in-season fruit and vegetables, wholemeal breads, and cereals, heart-healthy lean protein and low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. We are an allergy aware service.

What daily routine and types of activities can our children expect?

We work with children and families to develop a new and exciting program each week to ensure that children’s specific interests are captured, making their time at SCECS as fun as possible. SCECS takes a child-centred approach to programming, and provides a mix of educational, play and leisure based programs. We encourage families to provide feedback and suggestions. Additionally, educators also conduct spontaneous activities based on the direction of the children throughout the session.

Do you provide homework support?

Yes, we understand that time at home is precious and to support our families, we set up a well-resourced quiet space and allow time in our afternoon routine for homework. We work together in partnership with the parents to support your child’s homework needs.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I send my child to long day care and preschool?

Educators and psychologists are in agreeance that the single most important period in a child’s development occurs from birth to age six. Evidence shows that participating in a high quality early education program delivers lasting health and educational outcomes preparing children for school and beyond.

What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) describes the principles, practices and outcomes essential to young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. It’s part of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care.The framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning, recognising the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. There are five learning outcomes defined by the EYLF:

Children have a strong sense of identity.
Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Children are confident and involved learners.
Children are effective communicators.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) was the result of an agreement between all Australian governments to work together to provide better educational and developmental outcomes for children. The NQF introduced a new quality standard in 2012 to improve education and care across long daycare, family daycare, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care.The National Quality Standard (NQS) is a key aspect of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and sets a high, national benchmark for early childhood education and care.The NQS brings together the 7 key quality areas that are important to outcomes for children:

Educational program and practice
Children’s health and safety
Physical environment
Staffing arrangements
Relationships with children
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Leadership and service management

Learn more on the ACECQA website.

Are nappies provided?

Yes, SCECS provides nappies for children who are not yet toilet trained.

Are meals provided?

SCECS provides breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack each day. We employ a qualified onsite cook/chef, catering for each child’s dietary needs and providing fresh, nutritious and healthy meals. Meal time is a special time for children and staff to come together and enjoy a diverse range of cuisines.

What are the operating hours?

Our services operate from 7:00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year. We’re not open on weekends or public holidays.

Can we join the waitlist if our baby hasn’t been born yet?

Yes, you can join the waitlist. We will require your baby’s surname and for their first name, you can write ‘baby’. We also require an estimated date of birth. Once your child is born, you are required to contact us and update your details.

What happens once I submit my waitlist application?

Your Wait List Application / position for care will be allocated in line with the Priority of Access guidelines at the service.

How does the waitlist work?

We adhere to the Commonwealth Government's Priority of Access guidelines;

Priority 1: a child at risk of serious abuse or neglect

Priority 2: a child of a single parent or parents who satisfy the work/training/study test under Section 14 of the 'A New Tax

System (Family Assistance) Act 1999'

Priority 3: any other child.

Within these main categories, priority should also be given to the following children:

‐ children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

‐ children in families which include a disabled person

‐ children in families which include an individual whose adjusted taxable income does not exceed the lower income threshold, or who or whose partner is on income

support

‐ children in families from a non‐English speaking background

‐ children in socially isolated families

‐ children of single parents

When do we need to start looking for a childcare service?

We recommend placing your child’s name on a waitlist early to ensure that you do not miss out on a place. You should also confirm your requirements as regularly as possible.

Can I join the waitlist if my baby hasn't been born yet?

Yes you can join the waitlist. We will require your baby’s surname and for their first name, write ‘baby’. We also require an estimated date of birth. Once your child is born, please contact us to update your details.

Can you cater for my child's disability?

At SCECS we are an inclusive environment who provides for children with additional needs and is available to every child. For specific advice on how we could best accommodate your child/ren, you should speak with the Director at the SCECS service you are interested in.

When do you start toilet training?

Toilet training usually occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. We work in partnership with families to encourage and implement toilet training when you feel that your child is ready, based on their individual stage of development and signs of toileting readiness.

What should we bring?

Families are encouraged to pack the following items, labelled with their name:

A water bottle
3 spare changes of clothing to suit the weather conditions
Any comforters that assist your child to feel settled
Sun safe hat
Bib - if required (Remove)
Dummy - if required
Sleep sheet or blanket (Remove)
Bottles with formula or expressed milk
Any medications

What time should we arrive for drop off?

We suggest dropping your child off prior to 10 am to assist your child’s connection to the service and familiarity with the routine of the day.

Why do we need an orientation session?

We recommend families to visit a minimum of 1 to 3 orientation sessions with your child. This allows your child to get use to the routine, educators and learning environment. It also allows us the time to get to know your child/ren and how best we can support their learning and development prior to formally commencing at the service.

How long will it take my child to settle in?

Every child will be different. Some children settle in quickly, while others may take longer. Children who attend 3+ days per week are more likely to settle sooner than children who attend less often. Our caring team of educators will work with you and your child to tailor the enrolment and make the transition smooth.

How do I enrol?

Submit an online ‘’Waitlist" from the SCECS website. Click here to access our guide to using Storypark Manage. The guide will show you how to enrol and request care.

What is the enrolment process?

Once a position becomes available the service will make contact and organise orientation sessions with you and your child.

Will the number of children attending be capped?

Yes, each service is licensed to operate with a maximum number of children based on the physical space available to each service.

Can I swap a session as a one-off?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cater to session swaps due to staffing.

Will I be charged for bookings that fall on a Public Holiday?

If your booking falls on a public holiday you will be charged for this.

I need to terminate my care arrangements; how do I do this?

My child is unwell, what do I do?

It is important to notify your service via email or phone if your child is not attending a booked session. Please note that if the absence falls on a day that is booked permanently you will still be charged for the session. For flexible care arrangements, please contact your service to discuss casual bookings.

Will my child move rooms when they have a birthday?

Transitions to older rooms are based on developmental readiness and availability, not just age. Please speak to your service Director if you have any questions.

My child is not immunised - can they be enrolled?

SCECS requires children to be fully up-to-date with their immunisations, or be on a catch up schedule, or have a medical exemption to be enrolled into care. Documentation supporting the child’s immunisation position, must be provided at the time of enrolment. Children who are not vaccinated will not receive the Child Care Subsidy and are not eligible for enrolment.

What documents do I need to supply to show my child’s immunisation status?

The following are acceptable to prove immunisation:

AIR Immunisation History Statement – those that are fully immunised for their age
AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form – those that have a medical reason not to be vaccinated, or
AIR Immunisation History Form – those that are on a recognised catch-up schedule

No other documents will be accepted and the enrolment cannot be confirmed without one of these.

‍

What documents do I need to supply to show my child’s immunisation status?

The following are acceptable to prove immunisation:

AIR Immunisation History Statement – those that are fully immunised for their age
AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form – those that have a medical reason not to be vaccinated, or
AIR Immunisation History Form – those that are on a recognised catch-up schedule

No other documents will be accepted and the enrolment cannot be confirmed without one of these.

‍

My child is not immunised - can they be enrolled?

SCECS requires children to be fully up-to-date with their immunisations, or be on a catch-up schedule, or have a medical exemption to be enrolled into care. Documentation supporting the child’s immunisation position must be provided at the time of enrolment. Children who are not vaccinated are not entitled to receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and are not eligible for enrolment.

What documents do I need to supply to show my child’s immunisation status?

The following documents are acceptable to provide immunisation:

AIR Immunisation History Statement - those that are fully immunised for their age
AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form - those that have a medical reason not to be vaccinated, or
AIR Immunisation History Form - those that are on a recognised catch-up schedule

No other documents will be accepted, and the enrolment cannot be confirmed without one of the above documents.

Teacher and students smile behind rows of pencils organized into rainbow order

Any more questions?

Head Office
38 Renwick Street Leichhardt, NSW 2040
(02) 9568 8628
scecs@syd.catholic.edu.au
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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