Out of Hours School Care

ANNUAL REPORT – OUT OF HOURS SCHOOL CARE

In 2025, Murrumbeena Primary School’s OSHC program continued to grow and provide high-quality care and enrichment for students before, after, and during school holidays. Enrolments increased throughout the year, particularly on Mondays, with up to 79 students attending on peak days. The holiday program proved popular, including participation from students outside the school community, and excursion days such as movie trips, drama activities, and Ninja Warrior experiences were well received. The program’s 2IC settled in successfully, contributing to smooth operations and strong engagement with students, including those requiring additional support.

A key focus for the year was oversight and governance of the OSHC program, including the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to review service providers, resulting in the continuation of TheirCare as the contracted provider. This process involved careful assessment to ensure the highest quality of service for students, compliance with OHS requirements and the National Quality Framework. Operational enhancements included improved communication with the cleaning service to maintain allergy-safe eating areas, careful management of hall and office spaces during school maintenance projects, and the implementation of robust safety and security procedures for excursions and program areas. The latest parent satisfaction survey achieved 100% satisfaction, reflecting strong approval of program quality and management.

Financially, the OSHC program remained sustainable, with fee adjustments of 4.4%, reflecting federal recommendations, industry award increases, inflation adjustments, and superannuation updates. Fundraising initiatives, including the Election Day Sausage Sizzle, contributed additional revenue, raising $3,000 to support school programs.

School Council would like to sincerely thank the TheirCare Supervisor (Jacque) and Area Manager (Nadia), as well as committee members (Paula Bain and Deborah Nhuch) for their dedication in reviewing the service and providing valuable recommendations for continuous improvement.

Recommendations for 2026

1. Promotion and Enrolment – Continue using pupil-free days, holiday programs, and transition mornings to showcase OSHC and attract new families. Consider targeted advertising to nearby schools to increase enrolments during holiday programs.
2. Program Development – Maintain high-quality excursions, enrichment activities, and themed events to engage students. Explore further opportunities for Indigenous and sustainability-focused programs in partnership with the school.
3. Operational Oversight – Implement clear processes for cleaning, equipment storage, and allergy-safe food handling. Ensure lessons learned from 2025 maintenance projects are applied to minimize disruption.
4. Governance and Provider Review – Establish a clear framework for evaluating service providers, potentially via a dedicated sub-committee or extraordinary meetings to review proposals and ensure the program meets the school’s strategic and educational objectives.

Overall, 2025 was a year of growth, quality assurance, and strategic oversight for the OSHC program. The program continues to provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for students, and it is well-positioned for continued success in 2026.