Federal Funding to update Outside School Hours Care Services

Outside School Hours Care services throughout Australia will receive an additional $840,000 to make minor capital upgrade improvements, the Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony announced today.

The additional funds are part of the Federal Government’s $20 million initiative to help Outside School Hours Care services.

“This round of grants is just one part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to providing Australian families with a range of care choices for their children,” Mr Anthony said.

The funding brings the total amount approved for minor capital upgrading restructuring assistance to Outside School Hours Care services to over $6.45 million since 1997, assisting in excess of 1000 services Australia wide.

“This current round of funding will allow 142 services obtain new accommodation, upgrade their facilities or make improvements,” Mr Anthony said.

“Upgrading of child care accommodation and facilities is an important aspect of ensuring parents are confident that their children will be looked after in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment.”

In addition to the minor capital upgrading grants, services have had access of up to $6,000 worth of support for business and marketing advice and to purchase operational equipment including computer hardware and software.

Mr Anthony said that this initiative is also part of the Government’s focus on helping Outside School Hours Care services make the transition from receiving an operational subsidy to the new and improved Childcare Assistance System.

“It is essential that Australian families have access to high quality, affordable child care services,” Mr Anthony said.

“The Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to this cause. Improving child care accommodation and facilities will remain an ongoing priority.”

Families who need more information about child care can call the Federal Government’s national Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.