In 2020, the ACT Government launched a trial program of onsite outside of school hours care (OSHC) for ACT public preschool students. Today I visited this continuing program at Duffy Primary School to see the benefits firsthand.
The program has been running in four preschools across the ACT - Duffy, Monash, Giralang and Palmerston. In all four schools the trial was a success, and each school is continuing to offer the program in 2021. Other public primary schools and care providers have indicated they are looking to offer this model as well.
Delivering OSHC for preschoolers in the preschool environment reduces pressure on families, eliminates additional transitions for children, and strengthens relationships between families, the school and OSHC providers, enabling a more seamless experience for children and families.
It provides education and care for young children, on one site, that reflects the working hours of parents and carers. Today I spoke to parents and staff at Duffy about the benefit the model has for the school community. It was also clear that the preschoolers were enjoying it!
An After-Hours Care Trial for ACT Public Preschool in 2020 – Evaluation Report has now been released. The report found that the trial has increased a collective understanding of children's education and developmental needs through the rich sharing of knowledge.
Learn more about the OSHC program for preschoolers and read the After-Hours Care Trial for ACT Public Preschool in 2020 – Evaluation Report here.
