Calls for Stronger Safeguards in Outside School Hours Care

The importance of supervision and structured safeguarding in outside school hours care (OSHC) services has long been recognised as essential to creating safe environments. Most recently, the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority's (ACECQA) rapid assessment found that further action is needed to strengthen these practices.

Despite the vital role OSHC services play in supporting families and communities, supervision and standards vary significantly across the sector. These inconsistencies create unnecessary risk and leave children at greater risk.

Stronger regulations are needed: every child should be cared for with at least two educators always present. A two-educator model is a fundamental safeguard that improves supervision, visibility and accountability and should be standard practice across the sector.

The Y NSW has launched Prioritising Child Safety, a state-wide advocacy campaign calling for policy reform in OSHC services to deliver stronger safeguards and consistent supervision standards that put children’s safety and wellbeing first.

“Children’s safety and wellbeing must always come first,” said Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.

“When services operate with only one educator present, it significantly increases risk for children and for educators. A consistent two-educator model is a simple, practical safeguard that puts children first and helps protect everyone involved.

“For too long, gaps in policy and regulation have allowed inconsistent supervision practices to exist within the same system. Prioritising Child Safety is about setting a clear, consistent expectation for safe supervision standards across OSHC that reflects what families expect and what children deserve.

“Community voices matter. We want to work together with government, communities, and the sector to prioritise child safety with lasting policy change.”

To learn more about the Prioritising Child Safety campaign and sign the pledge calling for stronger safeguards and consistent supervision standards across OSHC services visit prioritisingchildsafety.org.au to sign the pledge and help prioritise child safety across OSHC services.