Potential shortage of after school care highlighted by council

Parents with property in Sydney's Inner West suburbs could be excited to hear about the Leichhardt Council's plan to potentially provide more after school care for young children. The plan was announced as the state government grossly underestimated the number of children expected to be living in the area over the next few years. 

According to a February 24 release by the council, recent demographic data reported by the state government had underestimated projected growth patterns, which could lead to a shortage of schools facilities and after school care programs for children. 

Mayor of Leichhardt Darcy Byrne said the projections provided by the New South Wales government for children aged five to 11 for the area over 2011 was off by 260 children, while the forecast for 2016 has been estimated to be off by 780 to 890 children. This could be concerning for parents in the area, especially if there are not enough schooling options available to provide for their kids. 

"The unprecedented growth in the population of children under five and of primary school age in Sydney's inner west is set to continue for more than a decade. If action isn't taken it's inevitably going to mean a worsening undersupply of long day care and out of school hours care - and eventually school places," said Mr Byrne in a February 24 statement. 

There is currently an estimated shortage of 284 places for long day care and preschool options in the area, with a further 177 shortages for after school care.

Furthermore, there has been constant growth for school enrolments between 2006 to 2103, with Leichhardt Public Primary school numbers increasing by 130 per cent over this period. Orange Grove Public School enrolments have grown by 100 per cent, while Rozelle Public School saw 80 per cent more students over that period. 

A new draft policy is being created for how the council could help to open up these resources for children, which could be great news for those living in Balmain or any of the surrounding Inner West suburbs.