Canberra Outside School Hours Care
Canberra Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) – What Canberra Parents Need to Know
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) in Canberra supports school-aged children before and after school, as well as during school holidays. These programs provide safe, supervised, and engaging environments that focus on recreation, creativity, and wellbeing.
OSHC services are typically located on primary school campuses or in community centres. They operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and use the My Time, Our Place learning framework, which builds on the foundations of the early years and supports children’s social and emotional growth.
Before-school programs help families with early work starts, offering breakfast and calm activities that prepare children for the day ahead. After-school care provides opportunities for play, homework support, arts, sports, and social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere. Vacation care programs, offered during school holidays, often include excursions, themed days, and outdoor adventures around Canberra’s parks and cultural venues.
OSHC programs are run by qualified educators who create flexible routines tailored to the needs of school-age children. Families value these services for their convenience, affordability, and contribution to children’s confidence and independence. Canberra Childcare helps parents locate OSHC providers throughout the ACT and understand enrolment options, subsidies, and operating hours.
Canberra Outside School Hours Care FAQs for Canberra Parents
Q: What is Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)?
A: OSHC provides care for school-aged children before and after school and during holidays. Programs focus on recreation, social skills, and wellbeing in a safe and structured environment.
Q: Who runs OSHC programs in Canberra?
A: OSHC services are often run by schools, community organisations, or early learning providers under the National Quality Framework and the My Time, Our Place framework.
Q: What activities do children do in OSHC?
A: Canberra OSHC programs include arts, sports, cooking, science, and homework support, with a mix of indoor and outdoor play to encourage creativity and friendship.
Q: Is OSHC eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
A: Yes. Most Canberra OSHC services are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), helping families reduce the cost of before- and after-school care and vacation programs.
