Applications open for Before and After School Care grants

More families will be able to access before and after school care following the opening of applications for a $20 million grant program announced today by NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams.

The program fulfils an election commitment from the Baird Government and means government and non-government schools without an out of school hours care (OSHC) facility can now apply online for funding to establish a service.

“We recognise that balancing the demands of work and family can be hard, which is why this government is funding up to 45,000 extra before and after school care places,” Mr Baird said.

“Grants of up to $20,000 are now available to help with the cost of setting up a facility, which can include fit-outs, equipment and tendering or establishment costs.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams said the grants will be provided to schools to establish services that can be run by a school P&C, not-for-profit or commercial providers.

“I encourage schools that do not have an OSHC facility to apply for this funding. Grants will be distributed as early as October this year and the first services will be up and running for the first day of term one next year,” Mrs Williams said.

Rosalie Nott, Assistant Director for Early Childhood Education from the Catholic Education Commission NSW welcomed the grant program.

“Catholic Out of School Hours Care services provide an invaluable service to our community and I am pleased those non-government schools that do not have a service will also be able to apply,” Ms Nott said.

Schools can apply online via the Before and After School Care Fund website.