OSHC Educators Day 2025: Recognition & Appreciation

On the last Wednesday of July, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) educators are celebrated with OSHC Edcuators Day.

The annual celebration - organised by Network of Community Activities - recognises the important role that OSHC educators play in the lives of children.

When is OSHC Educators Day in 2025?

In 2025, OSHC Educators Day falls on Wednesday 30th July.

It's theme is Recognition and Appreciation.

What is OSHC?

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) - also referred to as Out of School Hours (OOSH) - is a form of childcare service that provides education and care for primary school-age children. It is designed to help working families who need care outside of regular school hours.

The 3 types of OSHC are:

• Before School Care (BSC): Ranging from 6:30am - 9:30am

• After School Care (ASC): Ranging from 2:30pm - 6:30pm

• Vacation Care (during school holidays): Ranging from 6:30am - 6:30pm

OSHC services are often run by school, local councils, community organisations or private providers.

To assist families with access to quality education and care, OSHC is eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS), where costs can be off-set by government subsidies.

What is an OSHC educator?

OSHC educators provide education and care to school-age children in an OSHC service. The key responsibilities of an OSHC educator include:

• Actively supervising children in a safe, supportive and engaging environment (the ratio is 1 OSHC educator to 15 children)

• Planning and delivering age-appropriate activities that are aligned to the national learning framework My Time, Our Place v2.0

• Supporting children's development

• Maintain a safe and clean environment for children (e.g. health and safety protocols, setting up equipment)

• Building relationships with children, families and school communities

The qualifications required to be an OSHC educator are:

• Working With Children's Check (WWCC) or state equivalent

• Be over 18 years of age

• Some educators in a service will need to have sufficient First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis training (depending on the state or territory)

• Some states and territories require some educators to hold or be working towards an approved qualification should as Cert III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education Care, or School Age Education and Care

There are several other positions that an OSHC educator can have within a service. These include:

• Nominated Supervisor (NS): this person has legal responsibility for the day-to-day management under the National Law

• Responsible Person (NS): an educator who is placed in charge of the service (in the absence of the Nominated Supervisor)

• OSHC Coordinator: The day-to-day operational leader. Also sometimes referred to as the Director or Service Leader. Can also be the NS or RP

• Educational Leader: Provides curriculum and pedagogical guidance to the team, supporting staff in planning and implementing programs based on MTOP. Can also be the coordinator or another senior educator

How to Celebrate OSHC Educators Day

Here are some ideas for celebrating OSHC Educators Day with your team:

1. Hosting a team morning or afternoon tea

2. Thoughtful gifts such as pamper packs

3. Hold an awards ceremony (and create playful/heartfelt awards such as "Master of Games" or "Craft Queen/King")

4. Create an OSHC Educators Day themed activity at the service with the children (e.g. child-made posters, banners or bunting)

5. Create a photo wall or slideshow of educators with children and celebrating moments from activities or excursions

6. Host a themed dress-up day (e.g. superheroes, favourite book characters)

Want to manage your OSHC Service better?