Ensuring quality Outside School Hours Care

The Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to quality child care took another step forward today with Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, unveiling the Outside School Hours Care National Quality Assurance system.

“As part of the Government’s commitment to quality child care, we have already overseen the successful introduction of quality assurance systems for centre based Long Day Care and Family Day Care.

“The Coalition Government provides funding for more than 221,000 Outside School Hours Care places – up from 73,000 places in 1996. These guidelines will be rolled out and services providing this form of child care will be required to meet them to be eligible for Child Care Benefit.”

The Federal Government is responsible for Quality Assurance guidelines which aim to ensure that children in care have stimulating, positive experiences and interactions that will foster all aspects of their development.

The State and Territory Governments are responsible for regulations and licensing that set the legal minimum standards to ensure children’s health, safety and wellbeing.

“The Commonwealth is leading the way with the introduction of quality assurance for Outside School Hours Care. Currently, only the Australian Capital Territory has fulfilled their responsibility to licence and regulate this form of child care.

“For the safety of children and for piece of mind for parents, I encourage all States and the Northern Territory to do the same.

“We have a responsibility to parents to ensure that they can be confident that their child will be looked after in a safe and nurturing environment. Along with the additional funding we are providing through Child Care Benefit, the Coalition Government is fulfilling its responsibility to promote safe, high quality child care,” Mr Anthony said.