A $400,000 new out of school hours care centre staffed, managed and funded by Wesley Mission has been opened at Quakers Hill Public School. The Wesley Out of School Hours Care building will boost the capacity of children in the program to 150.
Wesley Out of School Hours Care has been operating at Quakers Hill Public School auditorium for the past 15 years but after consultation with parents and the School, Wesley Mission decided to develop a program-specific centre to meet the increasing demand.
The program currently provides before school care to 75 children each school day, and offers after school care to approximately 115 children each school day - this will be increased to 150 children from Term 1 2015. It also provides Vacation Care to around 50 children during school holidays.
The centre was opened by the CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev Dr Keith Garner.
"The time before or after school is a critical moment in a child's day," Dr Garner said. "It is important that children have suitable and appropriate care arrangements as well as opportunities to enjoy activities which promote mental and physical well-being.
"Wesley Mission has worked closely with Quakers Hill Public School, which like Wesley Mission, recognises the program's intrinsic educational and societal value. Like the teachers and staff of Quakers Hill Public School, Wesley Mission staff deeply care about the wellbeing of the children they look after each day.
"Children experience care which is as close to home as it can be. The program is providing children with an environment that is fun, creative and active but also gives them a chance to wind down with friends after a long day at school.
"Wesley Mission also offers children the opportunity to learn life skills such as making their own breakfast when they arrive, how to cook tasty snacks and how to share their games, knowledge and experiences with each other. It is also a place where they feel safe, secure and cared for."
The program also provides a time for socialising so children can begin to learn and shape their identity, feel they belong, and have opportunities to discover preferences as they develop their strengths and knowledge.
"Wesley Mission believes it is part of the network of support in the community and that everyone has the opportunity to support and contribute," Dr Garner said. "Partnerships are intrinsic to modern community caring, and to Wesley Mission."
Principal of Quakers Hill Public School Bert Lo Campo said Wesley Mission shared many of the school's values and that he was delighted to work in partnership with its staff.
The NSW Government through the Department of Education has been helping to fund the Vacation Care program for 10 years and currently provides $13,000 annually. Representatives from the Department of Education and Communities, the Quakers Hill Public School School's P&C Association and senior staff from Wesley Mission attended the opening. Children from Quakers Hill Public School performed several musical items.