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Jul 2003 Universal access to affordable out of school hours care on school sites - Extended School Hours |
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ECA supports the existing length of the compulsory school day and does not support its extension.
ECA recognises the highly successful special community programs being offered by a number of schools to support their students, including homework and breakfast programs.
Children need time within their day to engage in child initiated play and activities.
Teachers have a clear role in the education of children and in delivering education programs. Out of school hours care staff have a different role to play in children's lives and so a different relationship with them.
ECA does support access to out of school hour care programs for all children that are:-
Child focused and allow for child initiated activities
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Based on voluntary participation
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Specifically funded by the Federal Government and administered by the State Government
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Appropriately resourced
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Appropriately staffed
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Governed by national standards
ECA supports OSHC programs being offered on school sites. Schools are safe, well resourced and well situated within the community. They also allow children the opportunity to maintain and strengthen friendships within their neighborhood.
The success of out of school hours care programs on school sites is enhanced by the quality of the relationship between the school principal/ staff and the OSHC staff.
All programs on school sites should be governed by consistent child centred practices and policies and be jointly developed between all users of the school site.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 September 2005 )
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