OSHC

The National Quality Framework takes effect for early childhood education and care services from 1 January 2012. From this date, there will be a nationally consistent set of regulatory requirements for services covered under the framework, including OSHC services.

In response to this reform agenda, the AISSA has committed to provide support to OSHC services within schools as they implement the national reforms in early childhood and care.

Education and Care Services National Act and Regulations 
The new National Quality Framework will be underpinned by National Law and National Regulations. Together, they will set new National Quality Standards for long day care, family day care, preschool and OSHC services in all states and territories.

The Act and accompanying Regulations set out:

• the application and approval process
• the rating and assessment process
• minimum requirements relating to the operation of education and care services
• the functions and powers of Regulatory Authorities in each state and territory
• the establishment of a new national body called the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) that will oversee the new system and ensure consistency.

A new national quality assessment and rating system will see services assessed and rated against each of the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard, as well as given an overall rating. This process will drive continuous quality improvement for all OSHC services. Assessment and ratings will be will reflective of a national system, and will generally be carried out by Regulatory Authorities established in each state and territory.

My Time Our Place Framework for School Age Care
The National Law requires OSHC services to deliver programs based on an approved learning framework. For OSHC services this framework is the My Time Our Place Framework for School Age Care.  

The Framework for School Age Care has now been approved and is available to services. Under the NQS, services that are caring for school age children will be required to use the new Framework to inform program planning and guide them in working collaboratively with families and children to provide play and leisure opportunities that are meaningful to children and support their wellbeing, learning and development.

The Framework is:

• modelled on the Early Years Learning Framework for consistency,
• specifically designed for school aged children to ensure they have opportunities to engage in leisure/play-based learning experiences, which are responsive to their
• needs, interests and choices, and
• a basis for educators to reflect upon their own practice and
• explore new ideas and approaches to school age care.

 Click here for link to The Framework.

AISSA SUPPORT FOR OSHC SERVICES
In order to support schools’ OSHC services in meeting these challenges, the AISSA is providing a series of professional learning opportunities around the National Quality Standard.

For all registration enquiries please contact Barbara Murray email: murrayb@ais.sa.edu.au