The Changing Face of NSW Children’s Services
Questions and Answers

OOSH Regulations

Why do OOSH services need regulations?

OOSH services in NSW are long overdue for regulations; all other children’s services are regulated. Regulations provide a basic minimum standard for services to work from and are in place to protect children and ensure safe practices

When is it going to happen?

The NSW State Government has made a commitment to regulate OOSH services over the next two years. Network is not completely sure of the timeframe, however, the current Minister for Community Services has shown her support for the implementation of OOSH regulations. This is good news for the sector.

What is the process?

The first step will be to register all services currently operating in NSW with the Department of Community Services (DOCS). Docs are due to circulate information to services shortly. There will then be a consultation process with the sector in early 2007.

We have been reassured the regulations will not be part of the regulation in early childhood services and as such will be appropriate for our sector and our unique needs.

What should centres be doing?

Until you receive the information from Docs there is nothing major services should be doing however, it would not harm the service to access how the centre matches up to the National Standards? We believe that the regulations will be similar in content, though not necessarily identical, to the National Standards. Like in other states there will be phase in periods for a number of the requirements such as qualifications and venues. It will not happen overnight!

What information should be communicated to parents?

At this stage a mention in your next newsletter would be a good starting point or a notice on the centre notice board.

A new integrated QA system for all children’s services

Why are we moving to an integrated QA system?

The cost burden of running a range of different QA systems is inhibiting the expansion of QA across all child care sectors. The Federal Minister announced in May the move to one system with common principles and quality areas that would apply within these principles. The Minister appears committed to streamlining the current system and improving upon it to try and reduce any administrative burden on services. 

Spots checks and unannounced validation visits were also part of the changes announced they are already underway in most states and territories.

When is it going to happen?

The NSW State Government has made a commitment to regulate OOSH services over the next two years. Network is not completely sure of the timeframe, however, the current Minister for Community Services has shown her support for the implementation of OOSH regulations. This is good news for the sector.

What is the process?

An initial meeting of industry stakeholders was held in November in Canberra and rigorous discussion took place about the current system.

Spot checks and unannounced validation visits are non negotiable.

An industry reference group will be appointed by the Minister to look at the initial proposal for the integrated system.  Consultation will occur with services in February. Parent focus groups are already being held.

New indicators will be field tested and transitional arrangements will be made for services into the new system. It is anticipated implementation will occur within 18 months.

What should centres be doing?

Maintain your current quality practices in your service. As professionals we must remember that quality is a process not an event that occurs once every 2.5 years. The new system when it comes into place may look different but the quality practices that you are currently doing should be reflected in the new indicators and as such there should be little change in your current practices.

Keep a look out on the website for Network (www.netoosh.org.au) and NCAC

( www.ncac.gov.au). Updated information will be there are we get it !!

Most importantly feedback to us about the system and what you like about it and need to keep and of course what needs changing !

What information should be communicated to parents?

At this early stage mention in your newsletter and give them the website addresses if they want more information.

A new Child Care Benefit administration system

Why are there going to be changes to the system?

The Federal Minister has announced a new system to streamline the CCB system. It will be known as the Child Care Management System (CCMS). The changes are aimed to simplify the paperwork and take the burden off services.

When is it going to happen?

For OSHC services not till July 2008, a pilot for OSHC will be conducted in January 2008.

Long Day Care and Family Day Care will commence in July 2007 with a pilot then fully implemented in January 2008.

What is the process?

An industry reference group will be appointed by the Minister that will include OSHC representatives. There will be consultation in November and early December conducted by Early Childhood Australia.

FACSIA will make CCB payments to services and be the point of contact ( no longer Centrelink ).Services will no longer need to calculate CCB

There will be a funds advance for each enrolments and payments will be made to services weekly in arrears.

There will no longer be a quarterly acquittal process.

What should centres be doing?

Maintain the current CCB system you are using. Transitional funding will be available for services and training in the new system.

The design is not meant to be more onerous for services so do not succumb to marketing from external providers offering to do the system for you until we have clear indicators about what is actually involved in making the transition and timeframes.

What information should be communicated to parents?

That the Government is introducing a new system for the management by services of Child Care benefit but it will not be implemented in OSHC till 2008. Parents will still deal directly with Centrelink and the impact for them will be minimal.