If you’ve come across the term “OSHC” and found yourself scratching your head, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re a parent looking for care options for your child, or an educator exploring a rewarding career path, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about OSHC in plain, simple language.
What Is OSHC?
OSHC stands for Outside School Hours Care.
Also sometimes referred to as OOSH (Outside of School Hours), it’s a type of approved childcare program that operates before school, after school, and during school vacation periods. OSHC services are designed to provide children with a safe, fun and nurturing environment when school isn’t in session, giving working families the peace of mind they need, and giving kids a place to play, learn and grow.
Who Is OSHC For?
OSHC is designed for primary school-aged children, typically between 5 and 12 years old (though some services cater to older children up to 13 or even 18 in special circumstances).
It’s perfect for:
- Families who need reliable, quality care outside of school hours
- Children who benefit from structured activities and social connection outside the classroom
- Educators and early childhood professionals looking to work in a dynamic, rewarding environment
When does OSHC Operate?
OSHC services typically run across three key time slots:
- Before School Care (BSC): Usually from around 6:30am–7:00am until school starts. A great option for early-rising families!
- After School Care (ASC): Runs from the school bell until around 6:00pm–6:30pm, giving working parents flexibility at the end of the day.
- Vacation Care: Covers school holiday periods with full-day programs packed with activities, excursions, and fun.
Some OSHC services also offer pupil-free day programs, which run on days when school is closed for staff development.
What Happens at OSHC?
OSHC is so much more than just supervision! A quality OSHC program offers a rich mix of:
- 🎨 Arts and crafts activities
- 🏃 Active outdoor play and sports
- 📚 Homework help and quiet reading time
- 🍎 Nutritious snacks (at many services)
- 🌍 Cultural and STEM activities
- 🎮 Free play and child-led exploration
The best OSHC programs follow the My Time, Our Place framework (the national curriculum framework for school-age care in Australia), which focuses on children’s wellbeing, identity, and sense of belonging.
Who Runs OSHC Services?
OSHC services can be run by a range of providers, including school communities, not-for-profit organisations, and private operators. Regardless of who runs them, all OSHC services in Australia must be approved under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and comply with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. This means services are regularly assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Who Works in OSHC?
OSHC services are staffed by qualified educators and coordinators who are passionate about working with school-age children. Key roles commonly found in OSHC settings include:
- OSHC Coordinator: Responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, including programming, staffing, compliance, and family engagement.
- OSHC Educator: Works directly with children to deliver programs, support wellbeing, and ensure a safe environment.
- Nominated Supervisor: Holds responsibility for the legal and operational compliance of the service under the NQF.
Educators in OSHC are typically required to hold or be working towards a Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or a relevant school-age care qualification. First aid, child protection training, and Working With Children Checks (or equivalent) are also standard requirements.
How Is OSHC Different from Long Day Care?
While both OSHC and long day care are part of Australia’s approved childcare system, there are some key differences. Long day care caters primarily to children aged 0–5 years, operates throughout the full day, and follows an early learning curriculum such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). OSHC, by contrast, serves school-age children (5–12 years), operates at the edges of the school day, and programs are guided by the My Time, Our Place framework — the national curriculum framework for school-age care.
Is OSHC Subsidised?
Absolutely! Many families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) — a government payment that helps cover the cost of approved childcare, including OSHC services.
To be eligible, families generally need to:
- Have children aged 13 or under (with some exceptions)
- Meet activity and income requirements
- Use an approved OSHC provider
You can check your eligibility and apply through MyGov.
Is OSHC Government Regulated?
Yes! In Australia, OSHC services are regulated under the National Quality Framework (NQF), which includes the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
This means every OSHC service must meet specific standards around:
- Safety and supervision
- Educator qualifications
- Learning programs and environments
- Family and community partnerships
Services are assessed and rated by their state or territory regulatory authority, so families can check a service’s rating on StartingBlocks. But if you want more – like parent reviews or value for money ratings – check out the Kindicare website or app.
Why Does OSHC Matter?
OSHC plays a vital role in supporting Australian families and communities. It enables parents and carers to participate in the workforce with confidence, knowing their children are safe and engaged. For children, high-quality OSHC programs offer more than just supervision — they provide opportunities for play, creativity, social connection, physical activity, and personal development in a positive and inclusive environment.
For those working in the sector, OSHC offers a rewarding career pathway with growing demand for skilled, qualified educators and coordinators across Australia.
Why Consider a Career in OSHC?
For educators, OSHC is a fantastic and often underrated career pathway! Here’s why people love working in OSHC:
- Flexible hours — shifts align with school hours, making it great for work-life balance
- Meaningful work — you genuinely make a difference in children’s lives every day
- Variety — no two days look the same
- Career growth — opportunities to move into coordination, management, and beyond
- Community connection — you become a valued part of families’ lives
OSHC educators typically hold (or are working towards) a Certificate III or Diploma in School Age Education and Care, though requirements can vary by state and role.
Final Thoughts
Outside School Hours Care is an essential part of Australia’s education and care landscape. Whether you’re a parent looking for reliable care for your school-age child, an educator considering a career in the sector, or an OSHC coordinator managing a team, understanding what OSHC means and how it works is the first step to getting the most out of it.
At Firefly HR, we support OSHC services and their teams with HR tools and resources designed for the early education sector. Thinking about a career in OSHC? Get in touch to find out how we can connect you with an awesome service!
