A Guide to Before and After School Care in Australia

What is ‘before and after school care’?

Before and after school care in Australia (also known as ‘BASC’) is care outside of school hours. You may hear the term ‘OHSC’ (Out of Hours Care).

It is most commonly for primary school aged children.

The children are often supervised and facilitated by qualified ‘educators’.

Programs and activities for kids vary depending on your chosen centre/school.

Common activities at before and after school care include:

• Arts and crafts

• Reading

• Group games

• Sports

• Outdoor play and leisure

Many before and after school care programs also include small food or snack options for your child coming early or leaving late.

They may offer a light breakfast and afternoon tea.

Types of before and after school care in Australia

Before and after school care in Australia can come in many different forms.

Before after school care programs at school

Some private or independent schools offer their own before and after school care facility within the school.

Some schools have a ‘study centre’ more appropriate for senior high school aged kids.

For example, Arden Anglican School has a Year 11 and 12 Study Centre supervised by teaching staff from different subject areas. Students can gain assistance with their work from teachers or work with peers.

Separate before and after school care facility

Most schools have a before and after school care located on campus as a separate entity.

This could be referred to as ‘OOSH’ or go by a different name.

Some independent schools may have their own before and after school care facilities.

For schools in NSW and Victoria, visit our school profile’s on our website to find what kind of before and after school care arrangement a school has.

Benefits of before and after school care in Australia

Suitable for working families

Before and after school care is a great option for working parents.

Most parents do not work a 9:00 am – 3:00 pm job, starting earlier and finishing later.

Works with different family arrangements

Before and after school care also assists flexible families.

For example, one child may have extracurricular activities that require parent attention after school. Another sibling may be occupied with before and after school care during this period.

Before and after school care allows you to:

• Drop your child off to school before school hours

• Pick up your child after school hours

• Have enrichment for your child before they come home

• Have supervision and a safe environment before and after school hours

Before and after school care programs may assist children by:

• Creating a sense of belonging at school

• Improving social skills through interaction

• Supporting social, emotional, cognitive and academic development

Where is before and after school care located?

Most before and after school care facilities are located on the school campus.

Contact the school or after school care facility to find out where your child needs to head to after class. Most programs will arrange for kindergarten students to be escorted to the after school care site.

Some after school care facilities may allow for ‘out of area’ students (students from a different school nearby). Contact them directly about arrangements and availability.

How do I enrol in before and after school care for my child?

Many before and after school care care facilities have limited availability due to a staff to student ratio.

It is important to contact the school or entity well in advance and get your child ahead of any waitlists.

Summary guide to before and after school care in Australia:

• Before and after school care in Australia is commonly suited to primary aged students

• Before and after school care programs could be arranged by the school or a separate entity on the school campus

• Before and after school care arrangements assist with child enrichment, cognitive development and socialisation

• It is important to book well in advance for your child to get ahead of waitlists.

Choosing a school for your child can be difficult, if you wish to receive further information please see Choosing a School NSW 38 or Choosing a School VIC 34.