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We’ll use this information to work out your rate of child care fee assistance.
We won’t pay child care fee assistance for any hours that your child is at school. But if your child is school aged, we’ll pay it for child care outside of school hours. Find out more about what happens when your child starts school.
What the primary school level in your state or territory is
The first year of recognised primary school depends on the state or territory you live in.
| State or territory | Recognised as primary school | Not recognised as primary school |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | Kindergarten and years 1 to 6 | Preschool |
| New South Wales | Kindergarten and years 1 to 6 | Preschool |
| Northern Territory | Transition and years 1 to 6 | Preschool |
| Queensland | Preparatory and years 1 to 6 | Kindergarten or preschool |
| South Australia | Reception and years 1 to 7 | Kindergarten |
| Tasmania | Preparatory and years 1 to 6 | Kindergarten |
| Victoria | Preparatory and years 1 to 6 | Kindergarten or preschool |
| Western Australia | Pre-primary and years 1 to 6 | Kindergarten |
When your child attends secondary school
If your child attends secondary school, we may pay for child care outside of school hours. We’ll do this if they need supervision and are either:
- 13 or under
- 14 to 18 with disability.
In these circumstances, you must provide evidence as to why your child can't be unsupervised. This may include evidence of your child’s disability. You also need to confirm an adult is unable to care for your child during this time.