The community of Bankstown can now access a before- and after-school care service run by South Eastern Community Connect (SECC).
SECC was successful in its bid to run the program after the Department of Education put out a tender for the service in 2018.
The service, which will also offer a vacation care program, will run out of Bankstown South Infants School on Stacey Street.
The school, which caters to children from pre-school age to year two only, is known for specialising in quality literacy and numeracy programs, positive values, and a love of learning. It includes a specialist Early Intervention Support class for students with additional needs.
The SMOOSH program (which stands for Safe Multicultural Out Of School Hours care) will open from 6.30am to 9am and 2.45pm to 7pm, and during school holidays from 7am to 7pm.
SMOOSH caters for children from the school in term time, and all primary school students from the local area are welcome to join the vacation care program.
As SECC is a not-for-profit organisation, it is able to keep its prices low, charging families only $12 for the before-school program, $18 for the after-school program, and daily rates of $46 for the vacation care program.
Clients may also be eligible for a child care rebate of up to 100 per cent depending on their income.
Activities at SMOOSH include sport, dance, painting, craft, cooking and music. Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided.
Enquiries can be made to 0431 452 311, 0431 427 176 or by email at smoosh@secc.sydney. Find the enrolment form at bit.ly/smooshbankstown