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Introduction A program of experiences for OOSH children should, as far as possible, allow children to make their own choices based on individual interests, needs, strengths, age and energy levels. The program should promote the importance of play, especially child-initiated play. Regimented times – when everyone is required to do the same thing at the same time – should be kept to a minimum. Program planning for OOSH children is not about the staff planning ‘lessons’ or doing ‘formal’ teaching – it is about designing recreational experiences for children in the hours after school or during school holidays. The program of experiences should be developed in consultation with the children and their families and take into consideration the cultural background of the families and the local community. Services are reminded to retain the middle pages from Life After 4 (Network News) and The Holiday Times, as both of these contain suggestions for activities for an OOSH program.
The OOSH Program and Quality Assurance When planning the program of activities for an OOSH service, the following Quality Areas need to be considered:
This page aims to provide guidance for OOSH staff in identifying practices and documentation that support quality, in order to achieve a Satisfactory rating at Validation. It is important to note that not all Principles within each Quality Area require formal documentation as many practices and interactions are observable. Furthermore, one example of documentation may cover more than one Principle. While documentation can support quality service provision, it is the service’s practices and interactions that underpin the quality of service provision. Therefore it is important that all staff consistently display examples of good practice in their daily work and interactions with all children at the service. Download some examples of practice and documentation: Quality Area 4 – ‘Programming and Evaluation’ - examples >> Quality Area 5 – ‘Play and Development - examples >>
Network Library Network has a special library containing in-depth information on Before and After School Care, Vacation Care & Children's Rights. The Library is reference only - borrowing is not currently available. Photocopying is available for a small charge. We have a large collection of:
Library Hours are by arrangement. Network invites colleges to make group bookings for visits and individual students are welcome. We invite country people to visit when in Sydney. Otherwise let us know what you need and with sufficient notice we can do some research for you and provide relevant information.
Network Publications OOSH Factsheet #4 'Equipment' Download >> OOSH Factsheet #13 'Programming' Download >> OOSH Factsheet #31 'Evaluation' Download >> Back Page of OOSH Update Aug 2007 - Risky Business Download >> Creative Planning, 3rd Ed. 2007 Hi-OOSH - Harmony in OOSH, 2003 Awesome Activities for Older OOSH Children, 2nd Ed. 2002, Australian Kaleidoscope - Multicultural Activities For School Age Children, 2nd Ed. 1995 Eco OOSH in Action - 2005 Kids Clubs - 2003
Useful Websites Network of Community Activities
National Childcare Accreditation Council - www.ncac.gov.au
Children’s Services Central - www.cscentral.org.au
NSW Commission for Children and Young People - www.kids.nsw.gov.au
Other The following websites contain a variety of experiences and ideas for program planning. Please note: providing these websites does not indicate that Network is endorsing them.
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