Qualifications for OOSH Staff

Outside School Hours Services are not covered by legislation. When the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Bill was passed by State Parliament, there was no amendment to include services for children in the Act. However, the NSW Minister for Community Services, approved the adoption of the National Standards in 2000. It is therefore important that centres take measures to move towards compliance with the National Standards for Outside School Hours Care.

Network has conducted a series of Information Sessions based on the National Standards Self-Assessment Guide (for Outside School Hours Care Services). If you did not receive a copy of the guide or would like to discuss the Standards contact Network's Adult Education Coordinator - Tel: (02) 9212 3244.

Qualifications

An important aspect of the National Standards is qualification for co-ordinators.

Standard

3.2.1 OSHC coordinators are required to be qualified.

3.2.2 OSHC services must employ staff on the basis of a minimum of 1 qualified staff member to every 30 children, or part thereof.

3.2.3 A degree in teaching (Primary and/or Early Childhood), an associate diploma in child care and/or youth or recreation (experience in working with children aged 5-12 years is desirable) shall be considered as an acceptable qualification.

The Commonwealth and States/Territories may review the listing of qualifications, on an annual basis, to ensure the relevance of the qualifications to OSHC services.

3.2.4 Transitional arrangements may be developed to ensure that staff currently working in OSHC services are not disadvantaged by the introduction of the standard on qualifications.

Acceptable qualifications (not in order of preference):

• Associate Diploma in Child Care or Child Studies
• Diploma in Community Services (Children's Services - OSHC   Pathway)
• Diploma of Out of School Hours Care
• Diploma in Community Services (Youth Work)
• Degree in Early Childhood Education (Teaching)
• Degree in Primary Education (Teaching)
• Certificate IV in Recreation (Community Recreation Mangement)
• Diploma of Recreation - Community Recreation Management
• Associate Diploma in Recreation or Youth Work

For more information:

Tel: (02) 9212 3244 or email training@netoosh.org.au