COOSH is a not for profit association run by a voluntary Parent Management Committee and is Concord Public School's before and after school care initiative.
Concord out of school hours care (COOSH)
COOSH was established in 1990 by former parents of Concord Public School to provide an outside of school hours care service for children attending Concord Public School and neighbouring schools.
Although COOSH is separate from the Parents and citizens Association, they work with them closely and the school executive to improve services for the parents and children attending Concord Public School.
COOSH aims to provide a quality recreation program for children who require care before school commences and at the end of the school day in a fun, stimulating, nurturing and safe environment for all children in their out of school lives.
COOSH believes middle childhood should be embraced as unique, special and an important stage in life. Through being a part of COOSH children have the opportunity to make new friends, explore their environment stimulating wonder and curiosity, respect and independence, and learn new things
It is COOSH's intention to work side by side with parents and the children in ensuring that the program meets the needs of the children and their families.
Location
COOSH is conveniently located within the school grounds. They operate from our refurbished old school hall in the Gardiya Building to the left of the gate when entering from Salisbury Street.
Feel free to visit the COOSH rooms to get a scope of the service and facilities. To allow children to familiarise themselves with the COOSH environment, COOSH offers families their first session free (subject to availability).
Opening hours and fees
COOSH is open during NSW school terms and holiday breaks. They do not operate during public holidays.
Normal operating hours are:
Before school hours
7:00 am – 9:00 am
(Breakfast Provided)
After School Hours
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
(Afternoon Tea Provided)
COOSH ensures to provide meals of good quality and nutrition with a varied range of choices. It is COOSH's belief that children attending should have ready access to drinking water, thus water is provided with all meals and is available at all times.
Fee structure
The COOSH management committee are responsible for setting fees for the program based on the annual budget and ensuring that the required income will be received to run the service efficiently. Fees will be reviewed each term based on attendance and the Centre's ability to meet the running costs. The current fee structure is outlined below.
Before School Care (BSC)
Permanent booking
$14.00 each
Casual booking
$18.00 each
After School Care (ASC)
Permanent booking
$25.00 each
Casual booking
$28.00 each
Surcharges
Early penalty (drop-off before 7:00 am and Late fee (pick-up after 6:00 pm)
$10.00 for first 5 minutes
$5.00 per 5 minutes thereafter
Fees are to be paid for all booked days, regardless of whether your child attends or not. Fees can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by the term, but must be kept up to date and paid for in advance for the following week. Casual bookings must be paid for on or before the day of care.
Staffing and Supervision
COOSH after school care is currently registered for 60 places and before school care for 60 places. For the safety of the children, in accordance with national standards staff to children ratios is 1 staff member to 15 children in centre activities, 1 staff member to 8 children on excursions, and 1 staff member to 5 children at or near water. Therefore, it is important to call ahead to ensure they have spaces available for a casual visit.
COOSH is currently staffed by several child care workers and one administration/child care helper. Staff are qualified in first-aid and safe food handling, have years of experience and being mothers themselves you can rest assured your children are in great hands.
From time to time you may also see parent volunteers helping out at the Centre. All staff and volunteers have current working with children checks.
Contact Details
Carl Gai - Concord OSHC Centre Coordinator
Phone Number: (02) 9701 0921 / 0449 734 922
Email: info@concordoshc.com.au
If COOSH members are unable to take your call especially outside of the centre's operating hours please leave your name, best contact number, and a brief message on their answering bank or email your query.