Top report cards for elc, oshc

If Blackfriars’ Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Early Learning Centre (ELC) were students, they would both be sitting on straight As.

Latest data from the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority shows the OSHC and ELC have been rated as “exceeding” national quality standards.

Childcare services are assessed by on seven criteria:

education,
health and safety,
physical environment,
staffing,
relationships with children,
partnerships with families and communities, and
governance and leadership.

Blackfriars’ OSHC Director Rita Quaini and Assistant Director Sasha McSkimming said the “exceeding” national standards rating was a true reflection of the hard work they and their dynamic team put into the service.

“Our planning and programming are developed in consultation with the children – they are at the centre of everything we do,” Mrs Quaini said.

“It is centred on the importance of play and experiences that develop life skills for all.”

Blackfriars’ OSHC takes students from Blackfriars and St Dominic’s Priory School for before and after-school care and vacation care.

ELC director Karen McEntee said securing the rating was validation of the work they did to ensure children had the best possible pre-school experience.

“Our cohesive staff team has a balance of experience and knowledge,” Mrs McEntee said.

“Everyone works together to implement a program that offers security, harmony and empathy all offered via a play platform.

“The educational program enhances each child’s interests and strengths and ensures that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. It is about doing the best for each individual child.”

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority said the exceeding national quality standard rating meant a service was “going above and beyond” what was expected at the “meeting” standards level.

“Exceeding practice is embedded in service operations, informed by critical reflection and shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community,” it said.

Find out more about Blackfriars’ OSHC here and the ELC here.