Vacation Care

Make these school holidays a time your child will never forget with our vacation care programs!
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Winter Vacation Care 2026

Booking Information
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St Nicholas – Early Education, OOSH & Pathways

Booking Information

How to make a booking

  • Ensure your child is enrolled at your preferred St Nicholas OOSH service. If you have not yet enrolled, please submit an enrolment request – CLICK HERE
  • Complete our booking request through the St Nicholas App
  • Confirm your enrolment details are up to date in the St Nicholas App (if you are not yet enrolled with St Nicholas OOSH, you will be sent a link)
  • Any outstanding fees have been paid
  • For more information on how to book,
CLICK HERE

Download App Log in via Web Portal

What to Bring

  • Wide-brimmed hat – School hats are usually best. When the UV is 3 or above, children will be required to wear a hat. Sunscreen is provided and routinely applied as per our Sun Protection Policy. If your child is sensitive to standard broad-spectrum 30+ sunscreen, please provide appropriate sunscreen clearly labelled with your child’s name.
  • Morning tea and lunch – OOSH staff are not able to heat or cook food. Please ensure anything sent can be eaten straight from their lunch box. Our service is a nut-free zone. Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided.
  • Enclosed shoes must be worn, such as joggers or sneakers.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Spare set of clothes in case of an accident or excessive mess.
  • Jumper or jacket

Child Care Subsidy

Did you know you are entitled to a discount of up to 90% off your fees through the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy? To ensure you receive your entitled subsidy, remember to confirm your CCS enrolment via the Centrelink website or app.

Cancellations and Absence

To change your booking, simply reach out to the St Nicholas OOSH service you requested a booking for. Please note, our cancellation policy requires notice of five (5) business days for cancellation of Vacation Care bookings. If you cancel within 5 business days of your booking, you will be charged the full rate. If your child is sick or otherwise unable to attend for one of your bookings, please let us know with as much notice as possible by phoning or texting the service’s mobile number. Please note, you will still be liable for any fees incurred on this day. If children are unwell, please refrain from bringing them to care.

Additional Information

Risk assessments are completed for all excursions and are available onsite for viewing. An OOSH staff member can provide a copy of any risk assessments to parents/ caregivers upon request.

Please note, the suggested outcome may not map the pedagogical intent of the planned experience. This is a broad suggestion, but should not be held as the only possibility. The choice of an outcome relates directly to the learning and benefits we anticipate children will gain from the experience, however should you wish to alter this outcome due to your own curriculum understanding, we welcome this

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Are you interested in Before and After School Care or Vacation Care?

 

Before and After School Care

Vacation Care

 

Submit an enrolment enquiry for Before and After School Care or Vacation Care. One of our friendly team members will be in touch as soon as possible.

Please note:

  • Submitting an enrolment enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No booking is confirmed until you have received confirmation from St Nicholas.

  • For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.

  • One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

About St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care

At St Nicholas OOSH, our Vacation Care programs provide an engaging and enriching experience for children aged 5–12 during the school holidays. Our programs support both children and families by offering high-quality care that balances fun, structure, and wellbeing across each holiday period.

St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care provides children with a welcoming and inclusive environment onsite where they can relax, explore interests, play fun games, and make new friends outside of the school day.

School holidays are an essential time for children to reset after a busy term, and families often need care they can rely on while maintaining work and other commitments. Our approach to OOSH Vacation Care recognises both needs, with days designed to feel enjoyable for children and dependable for families.

We offer a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests and energy levels. From creative arts and sports to STEM and mindfulness, our Vacation Care holiday programs encourage children to try new things, build confidence, and develop positive social connections in a safe and supportive setting.

Children are supported to participate at their own pace. Some children love jumping straight into group games, while others prefer to start with creative projects or quiet spaces. Our educators support each child to feel comfortable and included.

Across our services, including Vacation Care in Newcastle, children benefit from consistent routines, dedicated educators, and thoughtfully planned experiences. Our Vacation Care programs feature a mix of on-site activities, in-service experiences led by professional facilitators, and excursions into the local community. This creates variety across the holidays while maintaining familiarity and structure that helps children settle in quickly.

Safety and wellbeing sit at the centre of all St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care services. Educators provide consistent supervision and guidance, and new adventures offsite are planned with children’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment in mind. Families can feel confident knowing their child is supported in an environment that values respect, inclusion, and positive relationships.

For many families, St Nicholas Vacation Care is not only a practical solution for school holidays, but it is also a place where children feel known and supported. We focus on building a sense of belonging, supporting friendships, and offering experiences that keep children engaged while still allowing time to rest and recharge.

      • How to book
      • Why choose us?
      • Experiences
      • Safeguarding
      • Before & After School
      • What to bring

      How to book a place in our holiday program

      To access resources and support for booking Vacation Care with St Nicholas OOSH, please visit our ‘How to make a booking’ page.

      To book Vacation Care, your child must first be enrolled at the St Nicholas OOSH service you wish to attend. If your child is not currently enrolled, you will need to submit an enrolment request before you can make a booking.

      Once enrolled, Vacation Care bookings can be made directly through the St Nicholas App. If places are available and your account is in good standing (with no outstanding fees or holds), your child’s booking will be confirmed immediately in the app.

      Families are encouraged to review their service’s Vacation Care program before making a booking, particularly for excursion days or special experiences, as these sessions can be popular.

      For sessions that include an excursion, you will be prompted to complete the required excursion authority form within the app when making your booking. A place on the excursion will not be confirmed until this form has been completed.

      If you need help with your booking, or if you have questions about sessions, enrolment details, or what to expect on the day, please contact our team at vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au.

      Woman requesting a Vacation Care booking with St Nicholas OOSH on her phone.

      Why choose St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care?

      Families choose St Nicholas for child care because it is consistent, well-planned, and focused on children’s wellbeing.

      Variety of experiences

      Our Vacation Care programs offer a broad range of experiences to suit different interests, including creative arts, sports, STEM, mindfulness, and themed days. This variety helps keep children engaged and excited throughout the holiday period, supporting different learning styles and personalities.

      Safe and engaging environment

      Our OOSH Vacation Care services offer safe and welcoming environments where children feel supported and confident. Experienced educators provide consistent supervision and create spaces where children can build friendships, develop independence, and enjoy their holidays in a positive setting.

      Excursions and In-Service Experiences

      We enhance our Vacation Care holiday programs with excursions and in-service experiences that extend learning beyond the service. These experiences are carefully selected, planned, and supervised to ensure they are enjoyable, age-appropriate, and safe.

      Extended opening hours

      Many services offer extended opening hours to support working families during school holidays. This flexibility helps families manage work and other commitments, while children enjoy a full and engaging day.

      Professional care

      Our educators are experienced in school-aged care, focusing on wellbeing, inclusion, and positive relationships. They support children to feel valued, capable, and confident throughout their time in care. Families choosing St Nicholas Vacation Care often value the way educators help children feel settled, included, and proud of their achievements during the day.

      New adventures and experiences

      Our OOSH Vacation Care experiences are designed to offer variety, balance, and choice. Each holiday period includes a mix of onsite day camps, in-service experiences, and excursions.

      Experiences vary by service and holiday period, and may also be impacted by weather or venue availability. Where changes are required, services will communicate updates as early as possible.

      Day Camp

      Our Vacation Care day camps offer fun and enriching experiences for children aged 5–12, available onsite at our services. Day camps provide a familiar environment where children can explore interests, connect with friends, and enjoy a structured yet flexible day. Educators plan experiences that support active play, creativity, and provide children with opportunities to make choices about their participation.

      • Creative arts and crafts: Hands-on activities that encourage imagination, creativity, and self-expression.
      • Themed days: Fun and engaging themed experiences, such as Heroes and Villains Day and cultural celebrations.
      • STEM: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences delivered through practical challenges and experiments.
      • Physical activities and sports: Games and movement-based activities that support fitness, coordination, and teamwork.
      • Mindfulness and wellbeing: Relaxation activities, storytelling, and mindfulness experiences to support emotional wellbeing.
      In-Service Experience

      Our in-service experiences are a valued part of our Vacation Care programs and are delivered onsite by professional facilitators. These experiences introduce children to new ideas, skills, and interests in a way that feels exciting, accessible, and age-appropriate.

      In-service experiences allow children to engage with experts and performers in a familiar environment, helping them feel comfortable while trying something new. These experiences complement our broader St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care offering and provide variety across the holiday period without compromising the routines and relationships children value.

      • Interactive animal encounters: Hands-on sessions with wildlife experts that support learning and curiosity.
      • Live performances: Theatre, music, or dance performances designed to entertain and inspire creativity.
      • Sports workshops: Skill-based workshops that focus on teamwork, confidence, and physical development.
      • Science experiments: Engaging demonstrations that encourage questioning and problem-solving.
      • Gaming and technology installations: Interactive technology experiences that combine fun with critical thinking.

      All in-service experiences are supervised by St Nicholas OOSH educators to ensure children feel supported and safe.

      Excursions 

      Excursions are an exciting feature of our Vacation Care holiday programs, providing children with the opportunity to explore their local community beyond the service environment. Excursions provide variety, encourage curiosity, and support children to build confidence in new settings alongside their peers.

      Our Vacation Care excursions are carefully planned and supervised by educators, with a strong focus on safety, preparation, and clear expectations. Children are supported throughout the day, including travel and transitions, so they feel confident and secure while enjoying their outing.

      • Museum visits: Interactive experiences exploring history, science, and culture.
      • Entertainment centres: Visits to venues offering activities such as mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games.
      • Movies: Cinema outings featuring family-friendly films.
      • Cultural visits: Trips to local landmarks and cultural centres.
      • Adventure parks: Active outings such as climbing or obstacle courses that build confidence and physical skills.

      Excursions vary by service and holiday period, and families are provided clear information in advance, so they know what to expect on excursion days.

      Child safeguarding and wellbeing

      The safety and wellbeing of every child is a core priority across all St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care services. We are committed to creating environments where children feel safe, respected, and supported at all times.

      Our OOSH Vacation Care services operate in line with child safeguarding policies and procedures that guide educator practice, supervision, and program planning. Educators receive training that supports respectful interactions, child-safe decision-making, and appropriate responses to concerns. We also use positive behaviour guidance strategies that help children feel secure, understand expectations, and build respectful relationships with peers and adults.

      Child safeguarding is part of daily practice in our services. This includes active supervision, safe routines and transitions, and thoughtful planning for experiences. Excursions and in-service experiences are carefully assessed to ensure they meet safety requirements, including risk assessments and appropriate supervision.

      We work in partnership with families to support children’s wellbeing. Families are encouraged to share information that may help educators support their child, including medical needs, additional supports, or individual considerations. This shared approach helps ensure every child can participate safely, comfortably, and confidently in our holiday care.

      Choose from before and after school care or vacation care

      In addition to our holiday offerings, St Nicholas OOSH also provides before and after-school care during the school term. This care supports families by providing consistent, high-quality care outside school hours in a familiar and trusted environment.

      Before school care helps children start their day calmly, with time to settle in, connect with friends, and ease into the school routine. After-school care provides a safe and relaxed environment where children can unwind after the school day through play, creative experiences, games, outdoor activities, and quiet spaces. Where appropriate, children may also choose to complete homework or engage in quieter activities, supported by educators.

      Many families who access St Nicholas Vacation Care during school holidays also attend before and after-school care during term time. This continuity can support smoother transitions for children, as they benefit from familiar educators, consistent routines, and established friendships across the year. For families, it provides a dependable care arrangement that supports both school and holiday schedules.

      If you need school care or Vacation Care, St Nicholas OOSH can support families with a consistent approach across the year.

      What to bring to vacation care

      Vacation Care attendees are asked to bring the following weather-appropriate items:

      • Wide-brimmed hat. School hats are usually best. Children are required to wear a hat when outside. Sunscreen is provided and routinely applied as per our Sun Protection Policy. If your child is sensitive to standard broad-spectrum sunscreen, please provide an appropriate alternative clearly labelled with your child’s name.
      • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. OOSH staff are not able to heat or cook food. Please ensure that anything sent can be eaten straight from the lunch box. Our services are nut-free zones.
      • Enclosed shoes must be worn, such as joggers or sneakers.
      • A filled refillable water bottle. This is especially important in summer!
      • Spare set of clothes for water-based activities or in case of an accident or excessive mess.
      • Jumper or jacket.

      Please refer to your service’s Vacation Care program for specific details on other required items. For excursion days, your service may also provide information about what children need to wear or bring, including any additional requirements for comfort and safety out in the world.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • How do I make, change, or cancel a booking for St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care?

        Making a Vacation Care booking is easy. For step-by-step guidance, visit our ‘How to make a booking’ page, where you will find resources to assist you. If you need further help, contact vacationcare@stnicholasmn.org.au.

      • What age group is St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care suitable for?

        St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care is designed for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Experiences are carefully planned to suit school-aged children, supporting both active play and calmer options throughout the day.

      • Can my child attend just one day of the vacation care program?

        Yes. We offer flexible booking options, including single-day attendance. Families can choose the days that best fit their schedule, subject to availability.

      • Is St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care available during all school holidays?

        Opening hours and availability vary by location and holiday period. Please refer to your service’s program for specific details.

      • What types of experiences are included in the vacation care programs?

        Our programs include arts and crafts, STEM experiences, physical activities, mindfulness experiences, themed days, and a combination of excursions and in-service experiences.

      • Are meals provided during Vacation Care?

        Families are asked to pack lunch and any required snacks, as staff are not able to heat or cook food. Services are nut-free zones, so please avoid sending foods containing nuts.

      • What should my child wear to Vacation Care?

        Children should wear comfortable clothing suitable for active play and weather conditions, with enclosed shoes such as joggers or sneakers. On excursion days, services may provide additional guidance on what to wear.

      • How do you keep children safe during excursions?

        Excursions are planned with safety as a priority, including risk assessments and appropriate supervision. Educators provide active supervision and support children throughout travel, transitions, and activities.

      • What if my child has medical needs or additional support requirements?

        Please share any relevant information with your service team so educators can support your child appropriately. This may include medical management needs, allergies, or other considerations that help your child participate safely and comfortably.

      • Is Vacation Care covered by the Child Care Subsidy?

        Vacation Care is covered by the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families, helping to reduce costs and save money during school holidays, but you must meet income and activity tests, with the subsidy amount depending on your family’s circumstances.

      For a full list of St Nicholas frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

      Testimonials

      ‘It makes us feel at ease being able to work to provide for our family knowing that our son is with qualified and talented professionals.’

      Andrew OOSH Parent

      ‘The social skills our children are learning by coming to OOSH has really set them up for success.’

      Anjelica OOSH Parent

      ‘Whenever I pick my daughter up from OOSH, she always has a huge smile on her face, which is super comforting as a parent.’

      Elizabeth OOSH Parent

      ‘All of my children are interested in very different things and St Nicholas OOSH caters to those varied interests.’

      Josh OOSH Parent

      ‘The experiences my children get to have at Vacation Care are amazing - every day is like a new adventure!’

      Kristie OOSH Parent

      ‘By coming to OOSH, my children are able to make memories that will last a lifetime.’

      Nicole OOSH Parent

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