Information

Out of School Hours (OOSH) covers services for school-age children before and after school and during school vacations. The acronym OOSH has been used in New South Wales since the early 1980s. The official name for the government's program is Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) or Vacation Care (VC).

Apart from financial assistance with the establishment of services and support for some centres in disadvantaged areas, OOSH services do not receive direct funding. The majority of services are approved for Child Care Benefit (CCB) and as a result are able to subsidise parents’ fees.

The New South Wales government is not involved in the operation of the majority of OOSH services. It does, however, provide a subsidy to some vacation care programs, particularly those in rural areas. Unlike early childhood services, OOSH services are not regulated or licensed.

Network receives funding from the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) to act as the peak body for OOSH services and to provide support for DoCS funded vacation care.

There are approximately 900 OOSH services in New South Wales.   

Resources and Links

Network acts as a link up for community activities and for OOSH services run by autonomous community groups and local councils. Network is committed to promoting quality community-based services for school aged children, including children with disabilities.

Network provides information, advocacy, and support for:

• Out of School and Vacation Care Centres
• Advice on Funding/Management
• Community Arts and Activities
• Child Friendly Environments
• Activities for Children with Disabilities
• Community Education/Skills Exchange
• Information/Resources

Contact information:

• Email: network@netoosh.org.au
• Phone: (02) 9212 3244
• Website: www.netoosh.org.au

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