p>Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said today she is delighted at the announcement that a future Labor Government will expand outside school hours care and deliver greater flexibility and quality in these programs.
“I know from talking to parents at schools across the region that the out of school hours care can be a real challenge,” Ms King said.
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Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said today she is delighted at the announcement that a future Labor Government will expand outside school hours care and deliver greater flexibility and quality in these programs.
“I know from talking to parents at schools across the region that the out of school hours care can be a real challenge,” Ms King said.
“Under this program we can provide more places and provide more parents with the opportunity to access those places.
“Coming on top of the decision of the Victorian Government to sign up to Labor’s Better Schools Plan, this is a real boost for our parents and their children.
The Rudd Labor Government’s Better Schools: Before and After program, a new $450 million fund, will provide funding for up to 500 schools to offer:
• More flexible opening hours – before and after school and during school holidays
• More places – in areas where parents need access to out of school hours care
• New, high quality activities and programs for children, such as sporting activities, music lessons and homework clubs.
“Quality care outside school hours not only improves children’s educational outcomes but helps increase women’s employment participation” Ms King said.
Families benefiting from this measure will continue to be eligible for the 50 per cent Child Care Rebate – up to $7,500 a year – and other child care assistance, helping with the cost of living.
Subject to demand for the Government’s Better Schools: Before and After plan and its successful implementation in the 2014 school year, the Government would then consider rolling out an expanded program to cover all Outside School Hours Care sites over time.
Schools will apply to the Better Schools: Before and After fund based on the needs of their local communities.
“Labor understands the stress working parents feel every day when they need to rush out the door at work to pick up their kids from school,” Ms King said.
“This can disrupt a child’s day if mum or dad are caught in traffic, and it does nothing for the productivity of working parents.
“Our new program will change a family’s weekly routine for the better.”