School Age Care — Maintaining Quality

Outside School Hours Care Quality Assurance (OSHCQA)

Outside School Hours Care Quality Assurance (OSHCQA) is an Australian Government initiative introduced in July 2003. The aim is to provide school age children throughout Australia with high quality care that promotes their learning and development while recognising the importance of social interactions and recreation.

The broad objective of OSHCQA is to ensure that children in outside school hours care have stimulating, positive experiences and interactions that foster their self esteem and confidence.

All School Aged Care Programs wanting access to the Child Care Benefit subsidy are required to register with the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC).

Following registration, Programs participate in a self study. This involves consulting with management, all service staff, families and, where appropriate, with the children in the program.

The principles in OSHCQA cover the areas of:

* interactions;
* the Program itself;
* health, safety and nutrition; and
* Program management and staff development.

For more information about Outside School Hours Care Quality Assurance contact:

The National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc.
Level 3, 418a Elizabeth Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8260 1900
Internet: National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc