We are a Not –For-Profit (NFP) community based service proudly operated by a volunteer Parent and Community Management Committee. The management committee employs over 40 staff to operate the service and an Executive director to manage the business. Up to 150 children attend the service daily. We believe children are competent, capable learners and have a right to choose their play.
We offer:
- Before school care opening times 7:30 to 9am
- After School Care 3pm to 6pm
- Vacation Care operates in school holidays 8am to 6pm
We are closed on public holidays throughout the year and also closed for two weeks during the Christmas/New Year shut down period.
We operate our program out of Forrest Primary school junior hall & school spaces and are located within Forrest Primary School, 9 Hobart Avenue Forrest, ACT 2603. We use the outside areas located near the junior hall as well as the school’s large oval. The Forrest Children Services Office is located near the junior hall and is staffed from 9:00am each day.
Before school care: $30 permanent booking, $32 casual booking
After school care: $40 permanent booking, $42 casual booking
Vacation Care: Rates vary depending on excursion and experiences offered
Yes there currently is a waiting list but we do our best to accommodate your needs. Our priority enrolment policy guides us on this.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care and outside school hours care services across Australia. In 2019, we were rated Excellent the highest rating under NQF.
The NQF introduced a new quality standard in 2012 to improve education and care across long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care services.
The NQF includes:
Research shows quality education and care early in life leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life. The early years are critical for establishing self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn. Quality education and care shapes every child’s future and lays the foundation for development and learning.
The major benefits for parents and children include:
- Improved educator to child ratios, ensuring children have greater individual care and attention for children
- Educators with increased skills and qualifications
- Better support for children’s learning and development through approved learning frameworks
- Consistent, transparent information on educators, providers and services in the national registers.
Starting Blocks provides parents with information about early childhood education and care to help them make the best choice for their child and family.
Enrolment forms are available on this website via the “FORMS” Link – OR BY CLICKING HERE
Firstly you should read our Family Information Booklet which explains all about our service and decide whether our service would meet the needs of your family. Then if you would like to progress your enrolment you will need to complete two forms:
2. Debit Success Form which gives permission for fees to be taken out of a nominated bank account/credit card
Forms should be delivered personally to FOOSHC Admin offices located near junior Hall.
