Sydney Outside School Hours Care
Sydney Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) supports families before school, after school and in the holidays, providing safe supervision, social connection and enriching activities for primary-aged children. This page explains how OSHC works in Sydney, what a typical session includes, how programs support learning and wellbeing under My Time, Our Place, fees and CCS, and how to choose a service that fits your child and routine.
What Is OSHC in Sydney?
Sydney Outside School Hours Care services operate before school, after school and during vacation care. Programs are run by approved providers—often on school grounds or nearby community spaces—and are designed for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. The focus is on wellbeing, friendships, life skills and recreation in a relaxed, age-appropriate setting.
Programs are guided by Australia’s school-age learning framework, My Time, Our Place (MTOP), which emphasises belonging, choice, responsibility and active participation.
Why Choose Sydney Outside School Hours Care?
For working and studying families, OSHC bridges the gap between school hours and home time. Children benefit from familiar surroundings, consistent routines and a mix of structured and free-choice activities that support independence and social development.
Key advantages:
- Wrap-around care that aligns with school schedules
- Friendship-building across year levels
- Choice-based activities (sport, STEM, arts, cooking, clubs)
- Calm routines for homework, snacks and transitions
- Vacation care for full-day coverage during school breaks
What Children Do at OSHC (MTOP in Action)
OSHC balances play, recreation and life skills. A session might include:
- Arrival & check-in with a healthy snack
- Outdoor play or sport to burn energy and build teamwork
- Creative projects: art, music, drama, cooking
- STEM challenges: lego engineering, coding, science experiments
- Quiet zones: reading, games, homework support
- Leadership & responsibility: helping set up, caring for equipment, buddy roles
Children are encouraged to make choices, collaborate and take age-appropriate responsibility, helping them unwind from the school day while developing confidence and independence.
Before School, After School and Vacation Care — What to Expect
Before School Care (BSC)
A calm start with breakfast (where provided), light activity and a smooth transition to class.
After School Care (ASC)
Snack, outdoor play, activity rotations and quiet spaces until pick-up. Educators support routines and friendships.
Vacation Care
Full-day programs with excursions/incursions, themed days and extended projects. Ideal for families needing coverage during holidays.
Who Is OSHC Best Suited For?
Sydney Outside School Hours Care is a strong fit if your child:
- Needs care at the edges of the school day
- Enjoys choice-based activities and social time with peers
- Benefits from predictable routines after class
- Thrives with active play balanced by quieter zones
If your main need is early childhood care for younger siblings, see Sydney Childcare Centres or Sydney Family Day Care. For a focused early-learning program in the years before school, explore Sydney Preschools.
Fees, CCS and Booking Patterns
OSHC fees are typically charged per session (BSC/ASC) or per day (vacation care). Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which reduces out-of-pocket costs based on income and activity. Ask providers for:
- Session price and estimated gap fee after CCS
- What’s included (snacks, excursions/incursions)
- Casual vs permanent booking rates and cancellation windows
- Holiday program fees and consent requirements
Because bookings vary across terms and holidays, confirming cut-off times and absence policies prevents unexpected charges.
Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the Child Care Subsidy.
Quality and Safety (NQF + NQS + MTOP)
Sydney Outside School Hours Care services operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and are assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS). Programs are planned with My Time, Our Place, focusing on wellbeing, relationships, active citizenship and inclusive practice.
High-quality OSHC feels organised yet relaxed: clear supervision, safe spaces, respectful behaviour expectations and educators who listen, notice and support.
Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer complete guides to the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard.
How to Choose an OSHC Service
- Visit during pick-up to observe the tone, transitions and activities in action
- Ask about rotations (sport, art, STEM), homework support and quiet spaces
- Check the NQS rating and ask for highlights from the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
- Confirm logistics: enrolment process, medical plans, dietary management, late pick-up policy
- Review holiday programs early—popular days and excursions book out quickly
Choose a service where your child feels welcomed, safe and engaged — and where communication with families is proactive and clear.
Sydney Outside School Hours Care – FAQs
Q: What ages does Sydney OSHC cover?
A: OSHC generally serves children from Kindergarten to Year 6, with programs tailored to school-aged needs.
Q: Is OSHC eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
A: Yes. Approved OSHC services attract CCS for eligible families, reducing the cost of before/after school and vacation care.
Q: Do children do homework at OSHC?
A: Many services provide a quiet space and informal support for homework, while keeping the emphasis on play and wellbeing after a school day.
Q: How do I book vacation care?
A: Providers release programs in advance. You’ll need to submit consent forms for excursions/incursions and secure places early for popular days.
Q: Is food provided?
A: Often a snack is provided for ASC and breakfast for BSC (varies by service). Vacation care inclusions differ by day—check the program.
Q: What if my child has additional needs?
A: Discuss support requirements with the service. Many OSHCs coordinate with families, schools and specialists to provide inclusive plans.
Final Summary and Next Step
Sydney Outside School Hours Care gives families reliable wrap-around support while offering children space to relax, connect and explore interests beyond the classroom. With choice-based activities, active play and inclusive routines, OSHC helps school-aged children end (or start) the day positively.
Ready to compare services?
➡️ To view Sydney Outside School Hours Care providers, continue to the Childcare in Sydney listings to review programs, fees, and holiday schedules near you.
