Schools and councils in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys are encouraged to tap into NSW Government grants of up to $30,000 to help with the cost of establishing or extending existing Out of School Hours Care services, Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis announced last Wednesday. Mr Gulaptis said the NSW Government recognised that working parents were looking for flexibility and accessibility to a different range of child care services which is why the Out of School Hours Care grant program has been expanded. “We want to make it easier for working parents to access before and after school care services. “These grants will help deliver more places for our kids and enable our local school communities to better meet this growing demand. “The grants can be used for fit-outs, tendering or equipment costs by schools with new or existing OSHC services.” Mr Gulaptis said grant applications were now open and will be accepted from schools for new services, schools wanting to expand existing Out of School Hours Care services and local councils in partnership with schools. Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams said the NSW Government recognises that families need early childhood education care options. “We encourage parents who need before and after school places to get in touch with their schools.” For criteria and applications visit: https://beforeandafterschoolcare.smartygrants.com.au/