care out of school hours care capability statement

care out of school hours care capability statement

Y mission & philosophy The YMCA of South Australia works from a base of Christian values to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit. The YMCA Outside School Hours Care services will provide an environment that is warm, safe, caring, fun and stimulating that enables all children to grow in body, mind and spirit. At the Y, we believe in developing relationships with children and families based on trust and mutual understanding. These relationships reflect our values of honesty, responsibility, respect and caring the foundations which underpin all our programs. When you think of Outside School Hours Care with the Y, you think of home. 2

Contents why partner with the Y 4 Y we bring learning to life 5 Y partnership benefits for schools 6 Y you can trust our services 6 Y we re a great place for children 6 Y our approach to oshc is different 7 Y children love being with us 7 3

why partner with the Y The Y is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation, currently providing 101 Before School Care, 123 After School Care and 135 Vacation Care programs across Australia. As the largest not for profit provider of Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services in Australia the Y is in touch with local communities, driven by our mission to serve and strengthen local communities. Our reach and diversity of services is unrivalled and we see the delivery of high quality, child centred OSHC services as central to achieving our Mission. We invest significant resources both locally and nationally in developing programs based on developing children in body, mind and spirit. When you partner with the Y you get The worry taken out of OSHC, letting you get on with delivering excellence in education Unrivalled local and national OSHC expertise On the ground staffing and support for your OSHC A local YMCA Children s Services Manager with responsibility for all elements of YMCA OSHC operations in SA The confidence of a Not-for-Profit community based organisation with the best interests of your school community and children at heart A true partner who will work with you to develop other value added programs for your school community Potential for the YMCA to re-invest back into the school and its community YMCA of South Australia has been providing services for 160 years and delivering OSHC programs for over 20 years. The Y currently operates OSHC programs in the following communities: Eastern Fleurieu Elizabeth Craigmore Adelaide Hills Woodville Park 4

Y we bring learning to life OSHC programs are tailored with the children s interests in mind and are varied, interesting, well-paced, balanced, instructive and enjoyable. The Y provides activities that help build positive, healthy young people, enabling children to learn and develop new skills, contribute their ideas and opinions in ways that are valued and respected and build confidence, social skills and a positive identity. The YMCA OSHC programs provide for: freedom For children to choose whether or not they participate in an activity. creativity Fostered by providing opportunities for the use of imagination and curiosity. balance Between structured and unstructured play. The Y programs include: Physical activities that develop fitness, coordination and sportsmanship Healthy eating and cooking exercises that teach valuable life skills Creative art projects that develop an appreciation of different cultures Music, dance and drama experiences that help children to express themselves. 5

Y partnership benefits for schools The Y understands that high quality OSHC services are a key element of a schools programming in their local community. We also understand the complexities and the time consuming nature of providing an OSHC. With the Y as your OSHC provider Schools and Principals can have peace of mind. The Y will take full responsibility for: Keeping up with legislative and accreditation requirements Staffing and Human Resources Payroll Accounts Payable and Receivable Administration of Child Care Benefit (CCB) for families Financial Management and Reporting Quality Programming to meet the outcomes of the school aged care framework My Time, Our Place Financial Viability Marketing Insurance and Risk Management Centralised IT infrastructure with CCB compliant software Consultation with the school and parents regarding OSHC services All other aspects of OSHC operations YMCA partnership opportunities with schools could include: the Y operating your exising OSHC OR establishing a new OSHC service in your school. In either case the YMCA can tailor a solution to meet your needs. As a not for profit organisation the YMCA re-invests back into the school and its community. We pride ourselves on the positive, open and transparent relationships we develop with our partners, and will meet regularly with you to help us become a part of the school community and ensure our service remains relevant, timely and up-to-date with the school calendar. Our Children s Services Manager will ensure that your OSHC provides the highest levels of service to children, families, Principals and Governing Councils. Y you can trust our services The YMCA of South Australia meets all statutory requirements for Outside School Hours Care. All South Australian sites are accredited by the National Quality Standards, complying with the National Quality Framework: QA1: Educational programs and practice QA2: Children s health and safety QA3: Physical environment QA4: Staffing arrangements QA5: Relationship with children QA6: Collaborative partnership with families and communities QA7: Leadership and service management To ensure each site maintains the high standards required for accreditation, we undertake voluntary self-validation under the guidance of the YMCA of South Australia s Children s Services Manager. As our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Services fully comply with the requirements of the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care and School Age Care; parents are able to receive Child Care Benefit (CCB) for all of our OSHC services. A current Certificate of Accreditation is displayed in all YMCA OSHC services. Parents of children attending an approved OSHC service may be eligible for financial assistance towards their child care fees through the Commonwealth Government s Childcare Benefit Scheme. Y we re a great place for children Our OSHC services are places where children are valued. The Y treats children as competent, strong and inventive individuals who are full of ideas. They re knowledgeable individuals rather than empty vessels to be filled. We work against stereotypes and strive for a positive, enriched experience for children. Children are also valued as unique individuals and we respect their cultures and diversity. 6

Y our approach to oshc is different At a YMCA OSHC, our focus is on children and their families. Because we re a community based, not-for-profit organisation, we can concentrate on delivering the best services and programs for children and families. Every child is unique, capable and curious with in-built strength and with a tremendous potential to be the master of their own learning. At the Y, our aim is to nurture these vital qualities with warmth and understanding so children grow and develop in body, mind and spirit. Children bring to the learning environment a unique set of cultures, languages, skills, ideas and attitudes. We nurture and care for the complete child allowing them time to explore and cultivate their own learning and interests at their own pace. We create environments where children can be children; and develop in safe and nurturing settings. Our environments enable children to feel relaxed, safe and inspired to explore their surroundings and should feel just like home. Y children love being with us There s always something interesting and exciting to do at a YMCA OSHC Centre. All our centres provide morning and afternoon tea; and during Vacation Care, there are fun excursions. It could be relaxing at the local cinema with the latest movie or taking part in a sports carnival at the local park. At every centre, you ll discover a range of age-appropriate experiences which encourage children to interact with friends, learn life skills, problem solve and be challenged by new experiences in a safe and relaxed environment. Children are made to feel welcome and their parents are able to talk to our staff about their child s needs and the experiences we offer. Spontaneity is embraced and interactions may be in large or small groups, or alternatively, children can relax quietly by themselves to read or do their homework. 7

Visit our website www.sa.ymca.org.au Call Chris Bishop on (08) 8200 2503 Visit us at 338 Tapleys Hill Road, Seaton