The School Bell Doesn't Change the Child

I've written before about schools and Outside School Hours Care being two families sharing one roof. We may have different responsibilities, but we care for the same children, support the same families and contribute to the same community. A child's needs, friendships and challenges don't suddenly change when the school bell rings. Neither should our commitment to working together.

There's another important connection between the classroom and OSHC: opportunity. A book at school can take a child somewhere they may never otherwise visit. An exciting OSHC program can do much the same through sport, cooking, creativity, science, excursions and new friendships. For families juggling rising costs, two working parents and limited time or resources, these experiences can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. That is not an optional extra. It is part of how we help children discover what they love, build confidence and feel they belong.

Today, that shared purpose is being tested by financial pressures affecting everyone. Families are struggling with the cost of living. Schools are balancing difficult budgets. OSHC providers are not immune: educator wages, food, resources, insurance and compliance costs continue to rise. In Victoria, the Government increased annual service fees by 1100% (that is not a typo, our fees increased elevenfold). Whatever the policy rationale, increases of this magnitude place further strain on an already challenging operating environment, particularly where attendances are low.

That brings us to an important conversation about the commercial relationship between schools and OSHC providers. Schools should expect a fair return for the use of their facilities. Equally, providers need the capacity to invest in skilled educators, engaging experiences, inclusion and child safety. The highest commercial offer is not necessarily the best outcome for a school community. When arrangements become unsustainable, the consequences can be felt in program quality, family experience and the demands placed on school leadership.

A successful OSHC partnership should make a Principal's life easier, not harder. It should reflect the school's values, respond constructively to children's behaviour and communicate openly with teachers and families. Most importantly, it should give children opportunities to learn, play and grow beyond the classroom, regardless of what their family can afford to provide at home. We are here for one another because we share a purpose: to educate, nurture and support children while making life a little easier for families. Commercial arrangements matter, but they should serve that purpose, not overshadow it.

If you'd like to explore how your school and families could achieve a better OSHC outcome, we'd welcome a conversation. 

Contact Jess, Senior Partnership Manager – VIC/TASM,

at TheirCare on 0438 501 882 or jessicac@theircare.com.au to discuss what's possible.