Supports for under 18's

At CatholicCare we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our specialised disability services for children and young people aged 18 and under are designed to provide the support, care and resources necessary for children living with disability to reach their full potential.

We focus on a personalised, child-centered approach, working closely with families to develop tailored plans that promote independence, enhance social skills, and support emotional wellbeing. We understand that each child is unique, and our goal is to empower them through compassionate care and evidence-based therapies.

We offer a range of activities after school and during the school holidays – at our Waitara Hub at 3 McAuley Place and another in partnership with St Gabriel’s in Castle Hill. These programs offer children the opportunity to connect with peers, build friendships and participate in activities tailored to their goals and interests.

Activities may include art, music workshops, swimming, bushwalking, cooking, sensory play and much more.

VACATION CARE FOR 6 – 18 YEARS

Day: Monday – Friday during school holidays
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Fee: Contact us to find out more

Check out our school holiday program and enjoy a range of season appropriate activities including swimming, bushwalking, live shows and music workshops, as well as in centre activities like art and cooking. These programs traditionally run from 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday during school holidays and are designed for those aged between 6 and 18 years.

AFTER SCHOOL FUN FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

Day: Monday – Friday
Time: 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Fee: Contact us to find out more

Our afternoon program offers children a range of activities including play time, music workshops, games, a reading club as well as access to our purpose-built sensory room.
Arrangements can also be made to work on individual development skills. Transport from school to our centre (and home) can be organised if needed. A fee may be incurred.
Children accessing our after school program are welcome to also enrol in our vacation care program.

St Gabriels After School & Ho

Day: Monday – Friday
Time: 3.00pm – 6.00pm during school term & 8.30am – 4.00pm during School Holidays
Fee: Contact us to find out more

This service is specifically designed to cater for the additional needs of children attending St Gabriel’s school with a ratio of support typically 3 times higher than a standard OSHC. Our team of educators also have extensive experience in disability support as well as mainstream OSHC operations. As an onsite OSHC, we work closely with school teachers and other St Gabriel’s staff to ensure practices and support strategies are reflected consistently. As a registered OSHC, we adhere to best practice industry standards and operate according to current NSW regulations. The service is also registered to operate under the Child Care Subsidy scheme.

We encourage families seeking access to the vacation care program to attend the OSHC service at least one afternoon a week throughout the school term so the children can get to know the educators and program.

For more information:
P: 0431 443 907
E: oshc.castlehill@catholiccaredbb.org.au

ENROL HERE

LATEST CHILDREN'S SERVICES NEWS

Understanding Alfie

When Alfie first started at the OSHC 21/2 years ago, he was in a mainstream class at school. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Alfie transitioned into a support unit class.

Generations connect over juice and scones

After watching the show ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds' we looked at how we could do something similar in our community. We knew that many of our families had grandparents who lived a long way away and they would benefit by having that intergenerational connection.

Changing lives through literature

Many of us take it for granted that our kids will grow up learning to read and write, yet for many children throughout Australia, this is not the case. Lack of education and early literacy can affect children throughout their lives and lead to psychological damage, poor health, fewer job opportunities and lower incomes.

Embedding cultural awareness into everyday practice

Aboriginal Community Engagement Manager, Judith, knows the children are engaged in her cultural awareness sessions when the enthusiastic stream of questions begin. "Sometimes the questions are a little random!