Savings to be used to boost after school staff numbers
Government savings are expected to help boost capacity for the popular after school programme, the Senate heard today.
Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, told the Upper House that the programme had a waiting list of 97 clients. At present, the programme has 434 youngsters enrolled, with 52 staff.
Mr Darrell said that adding eight extra employees would allow the programme to expand.
“It is anticipated that specified cost savings realised in the ministry will help to provide greater service capacity. It has been estimated that adding a further eight staff will allow for an increase in the number of clients and clear the significant wait list,” added Mr Darrell.
The programme from the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation runs from 3.30pm to 6pm on weekdays, catering to government preschools as well as primary and middle schools, at a cost per client of $30 per week.
Activities include futsal, walking clubs, fit clubs, the National Geographic kids club, escape room clubs, book clubs, gardening clubs, homework clubs, team-building clubs and character counts clubs.