The benefits of after school care

Juggling work commitments within school hours is a concern for many parents. Fortunately, there are programs in place to support families outside of school hours. There are many benefits of after school care for both children and parents. Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) at Guildford Grammar is as valuable for parents as it is for the children they entrust to us.

Our program delivers endless opportunities for students to grow and develop and nurtures a sense of belonging and community. For parents, OSHC gives peace of mind and reassurance that your child is being cared for, guided and uplifted.

Parents benefit from greater flexibility and support and can have confidence that their child is not ‘missing out’ on after school activities and co-curricular opportunities. While out of school care affords children many advantages. Here are a just few examples of the opportunities our students have been lucky to experience in the program.

  1. Developing practical life skills
    It may come as a surprise that one of our most popular excursions is a trip to Bunnings. Students participate in a treasure hunt to search for the supplies they require to build a street library. They are encouraged to consider both the supplies they need and how they will be used in the library construction. In the weeks following the excursion, they read and understand the building instructions, and then build the Street Library for the community.
  2. Learning to budget
    As part of our Vacation Care Program, children were provided with a budget and then visited a bookshop to select books within a set budget. After the children made their selections they compiled them together and were tasked with negotiating with each other to make a final selection. They understood the importance of keeping within the budget and arranged for a discount on the books with the staff so that they could also purchase a recipe book that they had spotted (cooking is a activity). The books can now be found in a reading nook that was also created by the students. The children’s participation in creating this space has created a strong sense of belonging.  
  3. Nurturing a sense of belonging
    Belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming, in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.

At Guildford Grammar School, we are constantly seeking new and exciting programs to ensure our out of school care schedule is fresh and fun. We blend favourite experiences with new experiences, to ensure it’s never quite the same for regular attendees. This can include spending time in a workshop with a book illustrator; taking the train to a fantastic restaurant; learning some new skills with a creative recycling sculptor; watching a movie; or more!

The Outside School Hours Care House is also a wonderful haven on campus. For students that are on campus early or late OSHC House offers a place where they can have fun, a snack and a drink, and be cared for until the school day begins or collection has been arranged.

For further information on our out of school programs, please visit our website. To learn more about why Guildford Grammar School leads the way as an inclusive, co-educational school for Kindergarten to Year 12, sign up to our newsletter.