Information for Families
Why use PCYC Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care?
We understand that every family is different, which is why we aim to make OOSH simple, flexible and easy to access.
With a range of care options available across NSW, families can find a service that fits around their work, study and family commitments. Our programs are designed to complement the school day while giving children the opportunity to make the most of their time outside the classroom.
From convenient booking and enrolment options to a range of care choices throughout the year, PCYC OOSH is here to support families when they need us.
UNDERSTANDING QUALITY AT PCYC OOSH
At PCYC OOSH, our programs are guided by Australia’s National Quality Framework (NQF) and My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care (MTOP) V2.0. Together, these frameworks help guide the quality, safety, and educational practice of school age care services.
My Time, Our Place (MTOP) is the approved learning framework specifically designed for school age care. It guides educators in creating programs that support children’s wellbeing, learning and development through play, leisure, relationships and meaningful experiences. Importantly, MTOP recognises that children have different interests, strengths, cultures, abilities and ideas, so programs should reflect the children and communities who attend each service.
The National Quality Standard (NQS) provides the national benchmark for quality, covering seven areas including educational programs, health and safety, relationships, the environment, staffing, partnerships with families and communities, and leadership and governance.
Further information: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework
How do we know services are meeting these standards?
PCYC OOSH services are assessed by the relevant regulatory authority through an Assessment and Rating process. Services are assessed against the seven Quality Areas of the NQS and receive an overall quality rating. This process also supports services to identify strengths, reflect on their practices and continue improving.
Quality isn’t something that happens only when an assessment takes place. At PCYC OOSH, ongoing reflection, feedback from children and families, program evaluation and continuous improvement are part of our everyday practice.
Service Specific Ratings: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/
What does this mean for your child?
It means the experiences your child has at PCYC OOSH are more than simply activities to fill the afternoon or school holidays. Our educators use children’s interests, ideas, strengths and voices to help shape meaningful play, leisure and learning experiences, creating opportunities for children to belong, be heard and be themselves.
93% of PCYC OOSH are meeting the National Quality Standards!