NSW continues record streak of ECEC announcements with $37m investment in OSHC

The New South Wales Government has continued its record streak of early childhood education and care (ECEC) focused announcements, sharing that it will direct $37.9 million to before and after school care services in today’s 2022-23 NSW Budget.

$16.2 million will be directed towards transport grants to connect students to a service if one is not available nearby. The government will also ensure there are viable before and after school care options for families in areas with no current services through a $20.2 million package.

Parents being able to access outside school hours care (OSHC) is a priority for the Government, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said, adding that in  regional NSW it was crucial for parents juggling work and family commitments.

“Gone are the days of the 9 to 5, so this funding will be crucial to ensure parents in regional communities have access to more flexible childcare services,” Mr Toole said.

The funding will support families across the state to balance work and family, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean added, noting that where families are impacted by a lack of before and after school care services, this often has a flow-on impact to parents participating in the workplace.

“That’s why investments like these are so important to give parents more flexibility in their day.”

This funding is in addition to the existing $235 million commitment to help support and grow the before and after school care sector to improve access and affordability for NSW families, Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell confirmed. 

The OSHC funding package includes:

• More than $20 million to expand BASC provision in regional schools
• More than $16 million for grants to improve transport services to BASC services

More information about the NSW Budget is available here.