Each day, families across Newcastle and the Hunter rely on Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) to bridge the gap between school hours and working hours.
This OOSH Educators Day, we are recognising the dedicated educators who support children before school, after school and throughout Vacation Care, while celebrating the important role OOSH plays in the lives of children, families and school communities.
At St Nicholas, we know OOSH is much more than a practical convenience. It provides children with a familiar and welcoming place where they can build friendships, connect with trusted educators, explore their interests and enjoy a sense of belonging.
“OOSH is an important part of the way many families manage work, school and care,” St Nicholas Director Mel Hill said.
“For parents and carers, access to high-quality OOSH is essential in supporting their participation in the workforce. It is also an important part of the school community, helping to strengthen connections and relationships through close partnerships with children, families and schools.”
For Kelly Brannan, whose children attend St Nicholas OOSH East Maitland, access to OOSH has made a significant difference to her family’s everyday life.
“Without access to OOSH, I would find meeting my work commitments challenging,” Kelly said.
“OOSH takes the pressure off and creates calm for our family, knowing the children are cared for.”
While OOSH supports families in practical ways, its impact extends well beyond supervision.
After a busy day at school, children may need time outdoors, a quiet activity, an opportunity to connect with friends or the freedom to choose how they spend their afternoon.
“For children, OOSH can be a familiar and safe place where they build friendships, connect with trusted educators, play, rest, explore their interests and feel a sense of belonging,” Mel said.
“The needs of children in OOSH are different from those in the classroom. Creating an environment that responds to those needs takes considerable skill and judgement from educators.”
Kelly said her children particularly valued the more relaxed, child-led environment offered through OOSH.
“The activities and experiences are valuable to my children,” she said.
“After a long day at school, they enjoy being able to participate in a more child-led and child-focused environment.”
St Nicholas OOSH Rutherford Educator Desilee Howard said understanding each child’s individual needs, interests and energy levels was central to creating an inclusive OOSH environment.
“As educators, we provide safe and inclusive spaces, including quiet areas, construction, kitchen experiences, craft and free choice, so children can play in a way that suits them,” Desilee said.
“We also provide opportunities for children to further develop their learning through activities and experiences they may not otherwise have access to.
“We strive to build an understanding of the children’s needs, hobbies and interests, and create programs around that.”
The relationships educators build with children can also provide an important source of comfort and support.
“The educators always provide my children with care and support,” Kelly said.
“At times that has been co-regulation, and other times that has been someone to play with. I have witnessed the educators be a safe person for my children and hold the highest regard for them.”
OOSH educators support children during some of the busiest and most transitional parts of their day. They are there in the early mornings, in the afternoons when children may be tired, and throughout the school holidays when families are balancing work and care.
They create environments where children feel safe, included and known, while building meaningful relationships that can continue across many years.
“Watching children build their skills and confidence is what makes this work meaningful,” Desilee said.
Mel said OOSH Educators Day provided an important opportunity to recognise this work and its contribution to local communities.
“When we talk about supporting working families, OOSH needs to be part of that conversation,” she said.
“OOSH helps children feel connected, gives families practical support and contributes to the everyday functioning of our communities.
“It may not always be the most visible part of the education and care system, but for many families it is essential.”
This OOSH Educators Day, we thank our educators for the care, skill and commitment they bring to St Nicholas each day, and for the difference they make in the lives of children and families.
