Redland City Council has successfully transferred operation of school-age care services to several community-based not-for-profit organisations.
Mayor of Redland City Karen Williams said the transfer of its school-age care services following a Queensland Government tender process and negotiation with the Catholic and independent schools sectors was a win-win situation for Council and the Redlands community.
“Five highly experienced providers will now deliver this important service to families from 19 local schools across Redland City,” Cr Williams said.
“The organisations that will deliver these services are Ormiston College Early Learning Centre; Centacare; Jabiru Kids; Helping hands Network; and Redlands PCYC.
“All of the new providers have expressed interest in recruiting current school-age care staff for positions at their services.”
Cr Williams said Council used a phased approach during the Christmas holidays to ensure a smooth transition out of school-age care services in time for the start of the 2013 school year.
“There have been no disruptions to services at the 19 schools that had Council-operated school-age care in place in the lead up to the transfer on Friday 25 January,” she said.
Redlands PCYC Branch Manager Sergeant Graham Pearse said he was proud of the quality outside school hours care services the club has offered since 2004 and he looked forward to welcoming new parents and children from Tuesday 29 January.
“Our new families will have the opportunity to join the many varied activities at PCYC while the schools will benefit directly from a number of value-added services including access to funding, our
buses and our expertise in the industry,” Sgt Pearse said.
“We have re-employed approximately 15 Council staff as well as additional new qualified staff members to help run the services.
“We are really excited about the future and our families will notice the difference as we introduce new programs and renovate each space over the coming months.”
As Council has exited school-age care services, current enrolments have ceased and families will need to complete an enrolment with the new provider for their service.
Council has provided details to all current clients of school-age care service to assist in re-enrolment for 2013. A full list of the 19 school-age care services transferred from Council to other providers is below.
Ormiston College
The service will now be operated by the school. Information packs will be sent to families by the school.
Please direct all inquires to the Ormiston College Early Learning Centre on 3495 6001 or email [email protected]
St Mary Mackillop, St Anthony’s, St Rita’s And St Luke’s
These services will now be operated by Centacare.
Please direct all enquires to Michelle Densmore on 0409 802 452 or email [email protected]
Alexandra Hills, Birkdale South, Cleveland, Coolnwynpin And Hilliard State Schools
These services will now be operated by Jabiru Kids.
Jabiru has mailed enrolment packs to families currently using the services. The pack can also be accessed online at www.jabiru.org.au/kids. Please direct all inquires to 3269 0044.
Mt Cotton, Redland Bay, Victoria Point, Thornlands State Schools
These services will now be operated by the Helping Hands Network.
Helping Hands will be mailing enrolment packs to families currently using the services. Please direct all inquires to 5438 9549.
Birkdale, Capalaba, Ormiston State, Vienna Woods and Wellington Point State Schools
These services will be operated by Redlands PCYC.
For all enrolment forms and contact details visit the website at www.redlandspcyc.org.au or call to request hard copies.
Please direct all inquires to Leanne Jays on 3245 4639.