OSHC

Out of School Hours Care

Our Program

The St Francis of Assisi OSHC program offers the children a variety of exciting recreational activities and learning experiences. The qualified and dedicated educators continuously strive to plan, create and implement a positive, inclusive, stimulating and caring environment for all children.

As an OSHC program, we are guided by the ‘Early Years Learning Framework: My Time, Our Place’. This framework underpins our practices and principles to ensure play-based learning outcomes for each child.

The program is highly shaped by the children’s voice, family input and intentional teaching. It is our goal to build children’s resilience, whilst fostering and supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Our Children’s Committee play a significant role in helping us plan learning experiences and fun activities.

Healthy eating is embedded and promoted throughout the program and the menu is regularly assessed by the Healthy Eating Advisory Board. Physical activity is integrated into daily routines and children are empowered to become responsible for creating and contributing to a sustainable future.

Homework Club is available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with the supervision and assistance of an Educator. In addition to regular program planning and to support the engagement of children with similar interests, Arts & Crafts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Clubs are offered in Terms 2 and 3.

To broaden the children’s knowledge of their community and the world around them, the service hosts a range of interesting incursions for the children (some of which have included Emergency Service Officers, Wheelchair Sportspeople, African Drummers, Animals of OZ and First Aid Training for Children). The service is actively involved in community events and works alongside the Parish and St Vincent De Paul to create a positive impact on our society, eg. Creation and distribution of Rosary Beads to the sick and elderly, collection of foodstuffs and gifts for local families in need.

Our families are welcomed at special events including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Dinners and our very exciting and fun Family Christmas Party.

    Philosophy

    At St Francis of Assisi OSHC, it is our commitment to provide a safe, secure, inclusive and nurturing environment where a curiosity and passion for learning is encouraged and fostered.

    The environment and program is guided by the School Age Learning Framework, My Time Our Place, and is shaped by the children’s needs, interests and voice. Reflective planning provides the opportunity for engaging spontaneous and intentional play-based learning experiences.

    We act as an extension of home and provide a place where children feel belonged and are encouraged to achieve their best socially and emotionally.

    It is our moral and social obligation to the children and their families, to provide a core foundation that will support children to become valued members of the community.

    Our team of educators are dedicated to maintaining a positive and united relationship with the children, their families, the school and the broader community.

    About us

    Safe and Secure Environment – We are committed to providing a safe environment which fosters active bodies and healthy minds.

    Positive Behaviour – A Positive Behaviour Matrix approach and intentional role-modelling by all educators achieves and supports behaviour management. We value the need to promote children’s independence and their ability to work cooperatively with their peers and adults.

    Inclusion – The service environment and program is devoted to equity and celebrates diversity and cultural heritage. We work collaboratively to ensure each child succeeds, regardless of diverse circumstances and abilities (including and not restricted to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability and those from a Culturally and/or Linguistic Diverse Background).

    Valuing our Educators and ongoing Professionalism – Our team of educators are driven to develop and advance their skills by attending professional development sessions, in-house training, networking and learning from each other’s strengths and knowledge.

    Healthy Eating – Healthy Eating is embedded and promoted throughout the service. The menu is regularly assessed by the Healthy Eating Advisory Board and the educators are trained to plan and provide healthy menus in an OSHC setting.

    Collaboration – A program which is highly shaped by the children’s voice and family input. Children’s interests and strengths are scaffolded through intentional and spontaneous experiences.

    Emotional Wellbeing – Educators are dedicated to fostering and supporting mental health and wellbeing in children and young people. We endeavour to build children’s resilience, listen to them and are constantly engaged with their emotions and thinking.

    Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Positive Practice – We work collaboratively to ensure best practice and maintain a strong and united team environment. Regular Critical Reflection ensures continuous improvement and positive practice.

    Developing Sustainable Practice – We actively empower children to become responsible for creating and contributing to a sustainable future by implementing aspects of reduce, reuse and recycle.

    Our OSHC program was assessed by the Department of Education and Training in October 2015 and in May 2020 and we can proudly say that we achieved ‘Exceeding’ in our overall rating in both assessments. 

    Child Safe Environment

    St Francis of Assisi OSHC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.  This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making. St Francis of Assisi OSHC has zero tolerance for child abuse. OSHC is committed to providing a child safe environment where children are safe and feel safe and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and /or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

     Every person involved in St Francis of Assisi OSHC has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. 

    National Quality Framework

    The Outside School Hours Car is regulated by the National Quality Framework (Jan 1st, 2012) that includes:

    • Education & Care Services National Regulations (December 2011)
    • Education and Care Services National Law Act (No. 69, 2010)
    • Early Years Learning Framework for School Aged Care in Australia (MYy Time, Our Place)

     

    Child Care Subsidy

    Please use the links below to commence or complete your Child Care Subsidy

    Centrelink Child Care Subsidy

    Child Care Package

    Policies & Procedures

    In collaboration with educators and families, all policies are reviewed on a regular basis. Click on the following links to view a selection of these documents.

    These and many other policy and procedure documents can be accessed at the St Francis of Assisi OSHC Office.