In OOSH services, educators are constantly looking for ways to balance energy, encourage wellbeing, and create calm transitions for children after a busy school day. Yoga in OOSH offers a simple, inclusive practice that combines movement, mindfulness, and fun. With just a few min...
Reward systems in OOSH settings can be a fun and engaging way to encourage positive behaviours, build community, and motivate children. Whether it’s a prize box filled with small treasures, a raffle system, or creative approaches...
Play in OOSH settings is more than just fun; it is a powerful tool for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. As educators, reflecting on play experiences helps us understand how children are learning, interacting, an...
Sustainability isn’t just about recycling; it’s about helping children understand their role as caretakers of the planet. In OOSH settings, educators have a unique opportunity to weave eco-friendly practices into everyday routines...
Rainy days don’t have to dampen the fun in OOSH! When outdoor play isn’t possible, educators can turn indoor time into an opportunity for creativity, movement, and laughter. Wet weather games are more than just "fillers"; they hel...
The Zones of Regulation are a self-regulation framework that helps children identify and manage their emotions, energy, and attention. In OOSH settings, where children transition between school, home, and care environments, this t...
Risky play in OOSH services is encouraged as a way to build children’s confidence, resilience, and risk-assessment skills, but it must be balanced with structured risk management and compliance practices.
In Out of School Hours care, educators manage large groups of children in dynamic environments where safety, belonging, and engagement must coexist. One of the most essential, yet often contested, practices is the roll call and he...
For OOSH (Out of School Hours) children, Reconciliation Week topics should focus on identity, respect, caring for Country, storytelling, friendship, and truth-telling. These themes help children understand Australia’s shared histo...
The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) is not just a compliance document—it’s the heartbeat of continuous improvement in OOSH services. It shows how your service reflects on practice, identifies strengths, and sets goals for better ou...
Yes, observations are required in OOSH, but they look different from early childhood settings. Educators must document children’s engagement, wellbeing, and learning through observations, though the focus is on leisure, social dev...
Managing behaviour in Out of School Hours (OOSH) care can feel overwhelming when children test boundaries, show disrespect, or escalate into physical conflict. Educators often find themselves stuck between documenting incidents an...
OOSH services often feel the tension between compliance and creativity. The law requires services to meet the outcomes of the approved My Time, Our Place, but it does not prescribe how this must be achieved. The NQS sets benchmark...
Supervision in an OSHC setting means more than just “watching” children; it’s about actively ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and engagement while balancing freedom and responsibility. Effective supervision requires constant awar...
In OSHC, “child agency” means recognising children as capable decision‑makers who actively shape their experiences, rather than simply following adult‑led routines. It’s about giving them voice, choice, and ownership in the progra...
When you’re running OSHC programs, it’s easy to feel like you’re recycling the same handful of activities. Children thrive on variety, and having a big bank of creative options can help you break out of that slump. Below is a list...
Exceeding Theme 3: Practice is shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community. It focuses on practice being shaped by meaningful engagement with families and the community. It highlights that high-quality servi...
Minecraft has become a powerful tool for engaging children in OOSH. Its open-ended, creative environment allows children to explore, build, and collaborate in ways that naturally align with the MTOP. When thoughtfully facilitated,...
OSHC educators play a vital role in supporting children’s well-being during transitions, play, and rest. With new child safety reforms under the National Quality Framework (NQF) coming into effect from September 2025 and January 2...
In OSHC, children often mirror cultural trends. The rise of “Sephora kids," young people fascinated by skincare and makeup, has sparked curiosity about how educators can channel this interest safely. While applying cosmetics direc...
Motivation doesn’t have to mean extra effort or complicated systems. In an OSHC setting, the best strategies are the ones that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. These quick ideas take seconds, but they build recognition, conn...
