School holiday care

BOOKINGS for Cardinia Shire’s Outside School Hours Care are now open for residents looking to use the service over the school holidays in January.
The program will run on weekdays between 6.30am and 6.30pm from Monday 6 January to Friday 24 January.
Children attending a primary school in the Cardinia Shire are eligible to enrol before 6 December to be able to participate in the program’s activities and excursions.
“The vacation care program features great on-site activities for children such as tie dye, cooking, a reptile show, clay moulding, karaoke and sports, as well as excursions to places including Luna Park, Bicentennial Park in Chelsea and Bowland Warragul,” said Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen.
Care will be available from qualified early childhood educators every day at Pakenham Springs Primary School and at Beaconsfield Primary School on non-excursion days only.
Children with disabilities can also fully participate in the program with disability service provider Marillac supporting the program.
Cr Owen said the program provides an opportunity for children to safely play, learn and connect with others over the school holidays.
“While it’s great to have children home from school during summer, the council recognises many parents have work or other commitments which prevent them from supervising their children for the entire holiday break,” he said.
Vacation care costs $55 per child per day, with excursion costs not included.
To book, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au where the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program information will be under the Families and Children section of the website.