OSHC - IMPORTANT UPDATE

Dear OSHC Families,

We are writing to advise you of an important change to our OSHC booking and cancellation arrangements, which will take effect from Week 6 of Term 3 – Monday, 24 August 2026.

Permanent and Casual Bookings – New Cancellation Policy

From 24 August 2026, all permanent and casual OSHC bookings will become non-refundable once they have been made. Any cancellations or modifications to bookings will incur the applicable gap fee.

This change brings our permanent and casual booking arrangements into line with our existing Vacation Care booking policy, where bookings are already non-refundable. 

This change is necessary to ensure greater predictability of attendance, reduce unnecessary staffing costs, and assist us with effective workforce planning. Staffing arrangements are based on the number of children booked into the service, and changes to bookings at short notice can have a significant impact on our ability to plan our workforce efficiently.

Centrelink Allowable Absences

Families are entitled to 42 allowable absences per child from Centrelink during each financial year. These allowable absences have recently reset as of 1 July 2026.

Please be aware that once your allowable absences have been exhausted, you may be liable for the full OSHC fee for any further absences, subject to your individual circumstances and Centrelink requirements.

Unfortunately, from 24 August 2026, we will also no longer be able to honour previous individual arrangements or informal agreements made between families and the service regarding the deletion, cancellation or removal of bookings where those arrangements are inconsistent with the updated policy. All families will be subject to the same booking and cancellation requirements.

We strongly encourage families to carefully consider their ongoing OSHC requirements when making bookings, as once a booking has been made, cancellations or modifications will incur the applicable gap fee.

Continuing Benefits for Families

Importantly, this change continues to support families by maintaining existing benefits provided by our service.

We will continue not to charge families for public holidays or pupil-free days that fall on a child's permanent booked day. This benefit will remain in place, unlike at many other childcare services.

We recognise that changes to booking arrangements can have an impact on families, and we want to ensure that you are aware of both the changes and the benefits that will continue to be provided.

If you need to discuss or make a change to your bookings, please contact us by:

Email: oshc.director286@schools.sa.edu.au

Text: 0437 198 833

We understand that this is a change to our previous arrangements and appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this policy. These changes will help us maintain a sustainable service, plan staffing appropriately, and continue providing quality care for all children attending OSHC.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ally Gradisar

OSHC Director