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Booking Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
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For those heading to 'big' school next year, preparations are probably already well underway. You’ve probably gone through the school readiness information, enrolled in a school, some super-keen Kindy kids might have already picked out their lunchbox.
However, one of the often-overlooked things in the lead up to school is organising any Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) that might be required.
OSHC or 'before and after school care' places can fill up fast, leaving many working families high and dry for this essential service. Because of this, many services recommend securing your place as a priority.
OSHC and vacation care is supervised care held either on school grounds or at a school or centre nearby. It is set up as a place where children can relax and play in a supervised and safe environment. Community or privately run these services operate before school, usually opening from 7am to 9am, and after school from 3pm to 6pm.
During school holidays, vacation care programs usually run from 7am to 6pm. Care is subject to a daily fee, and vacation care can also incur extra fees on days that they might go on an excursion. Check with the provider on their rates. OSHC is eligible for the Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR).
Programmes are designed and delivered by qualified educators, and services must comply with national legislative requirements on educator-to-child ratios, staffing requirements and physical environment requirements. The national standards of the National Quality Framework (NQF) also apply.
The care at OSHC is focused on play, with arts, crafts and recreation activities. They also offer a quiet space for older children to do homework and reading.
Questions to consider when choosing an OSHC provider include:
- What are the operating hours and do they match your requirements?
- Are the fees within your budget?
- Are there any other costs on top of the daily fee?
- Is there a waiting list fee?
- What is their policy on allergies (if applicable)?
- What education programme do they offer?
- Do they provide meals – breakfast, or afternoon tea? If not, what is the procedure for children bringing their own food?
- What is their off-site care policy for excursions?
- Do they offer a casual service if you need extra days occasionally?
Just as with any care provider, visit the service before deciding if it is right for you.
If places are already full for your school's care facility, check with other facilities nearby as they might cater for your school. If so, check with that centre how they drop off and collect children from school each day. Even if your chosen centre is full, add yourself to the waiting list, as places can come and go regularly – as children move or parents’ working hours change.
If you cannot secure OHSC when you need it, there are several other options:
- Hiring a local student: university and high school students who are looking to earn some extra money can collect your child from school and care for them until you get home. Ask around at school and interview them to see if they are a good fit for your family.
- Share with another parent: if the OSHC facility is full it is likely there will be other families at school in the same situation, so try taking it turns to care for several children before and after school.
- Talk to your employer: see if you can adopt some form of flexible hours where you share the late starts or early finishes with your partner until you can secure regular care.
If you are looking for vacation care or before and after school care in your local area, try our handy care finder.
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