What to know before you decide 

A small number of P&Cs in the ACT operate Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services. Some of these services are highly regarded and have been rated as exceptional quality. They are valued by families and play an important role in their school communities. 

At the same time, OSHC services are among the most complex and highly regulated activities a P&C can take on. 

A significant step for any P&C 

OSHC services operate under the National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. This brings: 

• extensive regulatory and reporting requirements 
• strict child safety, staffing and qualification obligations 
• ongoing compliance and assessment processes 

Committee members will be required to register as people with management and control of an early childhood education and care service. This carries personal responsibilities. 

High workload, high risk 

OSHC services often involve: 

• large staff teams 
• substantial turnover and complex finances 
• audit and reporting requirements 
• significant governance and personal exposure for volunteers 

This workload and risk profile is far greater than most other P&C activities. 

Not a decision to enter lightly 

While P&C-run OSHC services can be successful and deeply valued, operating one requires: 

• strong governance and sustained capacity 
• a clear understanding of regulatory obligations 
• realistic assessment of volunteer workload and risk 

For most P&Cs, deciding not to operate an OSHC service will be the most responsible choice. 

Get the right advice 

ACT Parents does not provide operational or regulatory advice on OSHC services. P&Cs should seek guidance directly from: 

• Children’s Education and Care Assurance (CECA) - the regulator 
• The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) 
• Fair Work 
• WorkSafe ACT
• professional legal and financial advisers 

ACT Parents can help P&Cs think through governance implications and risks before decisions are made. 

Related resources 

• Managing canteen services 
• Employing staff: what P&Cs need to know 
• Insurance and risk 
• Financial sustainability and audits