Families of students at Springfield Central State School have launched a petition calling for the school to open its own outside school hours care (OSHC) facility.
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The Change.org petition was started by parent Teresa Le Lievre after a longstanding OSHC arrangement with neighbouring Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School ended in late 2023.
“As parents of students attending Springfield Central State School, we were left in a difficult situation when our permanent care of 5 years at the neighboring Catholic Primary school was abruptly terminated,” she wrote.
“In November 2023, we received an email informing us that our ongoing enrolment for Afterschool care would not continue into 2024.
Ms Le Lievre said the sudden termination meant she lost 16 working hours per week. Other parents have also reported major disruptions due to the lack of OSHC at Springfield Central.
Previously, Springfield Central students could access Good Shepherd’s OSHC as it was directly across the road. But Good Shepherd had to prioritise care for its own students amid booming enrollments.
Ms Le Lievre said around 50 Springfield Central students were affected. Those who signed the petition argued every school, especially large ones, should provide OSHC to support working families.
An Education Queensland spokesperson acknowledged parents’ concerns and said the school has advised OSHC providers can do pick-ups and drop-offs at Springfield Central.
But with heavy demand, many off-site OSHCs now have waiting lists. The school’s P&C was notified of the issues at recent meetings.
Parents signing the petition say on-site OSHC is urgently needed at the rapidly growing school. They want the facility in place to support working families and prevent disruptions.
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The Queensland education department said Springfield Central will continue working with outside school hours care providers to meet family needs. But parents argue the school itself needs to provide the service.
Published 31-January-2024
