The field of Out of School Care and Recreation provides forms of childcare to children whose school days do not coincide with the working hours of their parents or guardians: before/after school and/or during school holidays. Often based in or near schools, it provides supervision and recreational/educational facilities.
In New Zealand these programs are commonly known as "OSCAR" and in Australia they are known as OSHC (pronounced "OSH"). However in parts of Australia namely NSW and ACT these programs are generally referred to as "OOSH."
Most programmes have a community base; some operate as private profit-making ventures.
Increasingly Out of School Hours Care programs are seen as important vehicles for promoting healthy child development by engaging children in physical and creative activities and by linking children with other community organisations and clubs. However the important role of these programs is the development of children's life skills and supporting children to engage within their community.
In Australia Outside School Hours Care is part of the National Quality Assurance system which ensures that all services are engaged in continuous improvement. State and territory regulations exist for Out of School Hours Services in Qld, ACT, WA and Tas. NSW and Vic are currently in the process of moving toward regulation.
Read more about Out Of School Care And Recreation: OSCAR Care Definition, Establishment, CYF Standards For Approved OSCAR Programmes, Recreation Focus, Support & Quality Control
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