Vacation Care

Information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Sutherland Shire Council Vacation Care is closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is following the directives of the lead public health agencies, including NSW Health.

BOOKINGS

• We are currently taking Vacation Care bookings and will continue to do so unless we are advised otherwise by lead public health agencies.

• We will update families immediately if any changes occur to our Vacation Care operations. 

PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS

• We have reviewed our Vacation Care program and adjusted excursions based on advice from the Federal Government. High risk activities are not part of our program.

• Our three centres will operate within the Federal Government ruling of less than 100 people in attendance per centre.

• Miranda Vacation Care will operate with a maximum of 30 children daily. Our Burraneer Bay and Lucas Heights centres are licensed for daily enrolments of up to 60 children, although we typically average a daily enrolment of 45 children at both of these sites.

FEES

• Vacation Care fees will be payable whilst we are operational, irrespective of the reason for a child’s absence from care. Child Care Subsidy continues to be provided for families if children cannot attend due to self isolation, illness or precautionary measures. 

• Please note our cancellation policy: cancellations or changes (e.g. adding an optional excursion or removing a booked day) can be made up to 7 days prior to your booking. Cancellations or changes within 7 days of your booking will incur full fees.

•  In the event the Federal Government instructs us to close, fees will not be payable during a period of forced closure.

 HYGIENE

• We want to assure you of our stringent hygiene, cleaning and sanitation practices and processes. Our centres are thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day by Council’s own in-house cleaners.

• Please wash your child’s hands on arrival and departure. We urge all families to use hand sanitiser which will be available at our sign in/sign out area.  

• At the start of each day we will be reminding the children about good hygiene practices and reinforcing this message throughout the day.

TRAVEL

We seek your assistance to help ensure the safety of the children by following the advice from NSW Health as the lead public health agency.

1. Upon returning from any overseas travel, you are required to follow NSW Health Guidelines and self-isolate at home for 14 days. If you are in this situation please advise us. We will be seeking evidence that you have undertaken the 14 day isolation requirements.

2. Even if you haven’t travelled overseas, but you think your family may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, you should self-isolate and advise us immediately.

3. In the event your child experiences any of the known symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), please ensure they do not attend Vacation Care and seek medical advice prior to returning to Vacation Care.

We encourage families to refer to NSW Health’s dedicated webpage which contains detailed information on coronavirus, including an extensive Frequently Asked Questions and the latest advice.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Please contact our team on 9710 0466 if you have any queries regarding Vacation Care within the current climate. 

“My child attends Burraneer Bay Vacation Care and over the past few years she has really enjoyed her time there.  During the last holidays my daughter often spoke about some of the Educators who have been absolutely amazing and have made her experience exceptional. The Centre Coordinator is also consistently exceptional with her care & attention to each child’s needs. I am grateful for the energetic, engaging and caring team who have contributed to making my daughter’s experience so positive.”

 “Our family values the care and fun activities provided at your Burraneer Bay Vacation Care centre. We believe it is a safe environment, where our child feels a part of the group. It is our first time using the service this term. We will definitely be back in future.”