out of school hours care services
Out of school hours care services (OSHC) are now required to register with the Department of Community Services. The requirement was introduced under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment (Out of School Hours Care Services) Regulation 2007 which came into effect on 23 February 2007.
The definition of an out of school hours care service is provided in Section 220A of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
This regulation requires providers to supply information about the provision of the service as may be requested by DoCS. Apart from the requirements to register and provide information, there are no other operating requirements.
Registration became mandatory on 1 July 2007, from which time the operation of unregistered services is prohibited.
applying for registration
An Out of School Hours Care Service Registration Application form is required to be lodged when applying for registration as an out of school hours care service.
A separate application is required to be lodged for each premise where a service is being provided. Services providing both before/after school care and vacation care programs at the same premises need only submit one application form for the premises.
change of details for registered services
Where changes in the details of a registered service occur, the provider of the service should complete and lodge an Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Change of Details for Registered Service form.
Matters that should be notified to DoCS include:
- variations in the contact details of the provider of a registered service, including any variations in the nominated contact person for the service or the contact details of that person
- a variation to the name of a registered service
- a change in the location from which a registered service is provided*
- variations in the contact details for a registered service.
*Not applicable to mobile services
Where there is a change in the provider of a service, the new provider of the registered service is required to submit a new application for registration.
national standards for OSHC services
The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment (Out of School Hours Care Services) Regulation 2007 does not impose any operational requirements on OSHC services.
Development of operational requirements for NSW OSHC services is proposed as part of the second stage of regulation.
In the meantime, the National standards for outside school hours care can be referenced for information on appropriate operating guidelines for services. They provide guidance in areas such as OSHC facilities, staffing and health and safety issues.
further information
For further information see the frequently asked questions or contact the Out of school hours care hotline on 1800 155 633.
