Melton Specialist School will benefit from High Intensity Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) from next year, following the expansion of a state government program.
According to the government, the pilot of OSHC in five specialist schools across Victoria made a profound difference to kids – they showed improvements in their educational and emotional outcomes, parents reported improved wellbeing, and 92 per cent of mums and dads had either taken up, or were planning to, extra work or training.
In 2024 the service will get underway in 15 more schools, including Melton Specialist School, another 10 schools will follow in 2025 and 2026.
The services will be completely free for families to use, with high educator-to-child ratios and activities, excursions and school holiday programs tailored to the needs of children with disability.
Premier Jacinta Allan said parents and carers of children at specialist schools have told the government that finding care outside school hours is one of the biggest challenges they face.
“We’re giving families the support they need so they spend less time juggling caring with work or study, and more time with their loved ones,” she said.
Education Minister Ben Carroll said every Victorian child deserves the very best opportunities in life.
“This will make sure families of children with disability get the tailored care they deserve in the familiar environment of their own schools,” he said.
