Frequently Asked Questions regarding July / August …. 2021 Lockdown;
Am I still able to casually book my child?
Absolutely, you can still use the My Family Lounge phone app.
If my child is not attending school, can I still send them to Kids Club?
Yes. You will be charged for the days they attend as per normal and your fee for those days will NOT be waived.
Will you still stay open if there is only 1 child needing the service?
Presently yes, being an essential service, we will continue to remain open.
Am I allowed on the school grounds to collect my child but not enter the room?
It is preferred that parents do not enter the school grounds & we ask all parents to abide by both the notifications your specific school has instructed as well as any signage OOSH Northern Beaches has put on gates or points of entry.
Can I come into the gates if my child is upset/wants me to walk them in?
It is preferred that parents do not enter the school grounds & we ask all parents to abide by both the notifications your specific school has instructed as well as any signage OOSH Northern Beaches has put on gates or points of entry, but if your child upset, please wear a mask, QR code in and obviously social distance at all times.
How do I sign any forms (mainly incident reports) without contact?
Any forms or documentation that needs a signature will be emailed to the parent to be read, signed and emailed back to the appropriate centre.
Are you cleaning and sanitising during this lockdown?
Yes. Our industry has always followed very strict cleaning and sanitising procedures. Both the frequency and areas of cleaning have increased.
Are you still providing breakfast and afternoon tea?
Yes. For our catering purposes (and so we aren’t wasting excess food) we must point out the importance of marking your child/ren as absent if they are not attending the Kids Club.
Those parents claiming CCS FAQ’s:
Are Gap Fees Waived?
Yes. Even though childcare services remain open in NSW, from Monday 19th July, Services in Local Government Areas (LGAs) subject to stay-at-home orders can waive gap fees for parents with CCS only on days they choose to keep their children at home.
What does this mean for parents?
From the 19th July 2021 to the end of lockdown parents with CCS whose children are NOT attending Kids Club at all, will not be charged fees by OOSH Northern Beaches.
What if my child is not attending Kids Club and I can claim CCS?
If you are entitled to CCS and your child is not attending Kids Club, please mark them absent for all days they are not attending. Please marked your child’s permanent bookings as absent using ‘AA’ and casual bookings as ‘CA’.
Will I be charged for marking them absent?
No. As part of the Governments assistance policy, you won’t be charged for any absences from the 19th July if your child is not attending at all.
Are my 42 days of allowable absences affected?
No. The Australian Government has announced child care services in a Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspot can access additional allowable absences if the declaration extends for more than seven days. Families will not have to use their 42 days of allowable absences during the lockdown. This means families will still have allowable absence days to use after the lockdown. It also ensures children remain enrolled and providers can continue to receive the Child Care Subsidy.
Do I need to cancel my bookings?
No. We recommend you don’t cancel your bookings as OOSH Northern Beaches will receive some assistance from Centrelink if your child is booked in but marked absent. Presently, this is the only assistance we are receiving from the Government during these stay at home orders.
Can I mark them absent for the remainder of Lockdown in advance?
Yes. We would appreciate it if you do mark them absent in advance, for our staffing and catering requirements. If the lockdown eases earlier than planned, absent bookings can be amended.
What if my child is attending Kids Club and I can claim CCS?
You don’t need to do anything, and you will still be charged only the gap fee as normal.
Will I be charged for any absences marked from 12th July to 16th July 2021?
Yes. Unfortunately, as this announcement was made on 15/7/2021 we still have to charge your gap fee (as we would usually do) for Week 1 in Term 3.
How do I mark my child as absent?
Please make sure you have downloaded the My family lounge Phone app.
Follow the instructions by clicking the link: Covid 19 Routine/Permanent Booking Absences via MFL Phone App for any days your child is not attending OOSH Kids Clubs.
What do I do if I have cancelled my bookings and I receive CCS?
Please reactivate your bookings by calling Head office on 0299848089 and then mark your child as absent, with no out-of-pocket expense to families. This assists us and ensures you do not lose your place.
Parents who don’t claim CCS
For parents who don’t or can’t claim any CCS or Centrelink assistant with childcare fees please contact Head Office on 9984 8089 to discuss your options.
We thank all our families for your patience and understanding during this time. Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact our Head Office on 0299848089.
OOSH Northern Beaches
Chris & Lou Hegarty
Head Office
[email protected]
0299848089
02 9984 8089