The article highlights concerns raised by industry heads regarding the for-profit direction of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services in Australia, particularly in the wake of paedophile allegations. A significant percentage of providers are private for-profit, raising questions about their prioritization of profit over quality care and appropriate staff ratios.
The OSHC workforce faces significant challenges: over half lack relevant qualifications, a substantial portion are young and casual, and many work part-time. This raises concerns about the quality and consistency of care provided. The article advocates for a nationally consistent approach to qualifications and training, similar to the requirements in Queensland.
The NSW Premier acknowledges the reliance on private providers due to the scale of OSHC services, but emphasizes the need for zero tolerance regarding Working With Children checks. While the Department of Education has regulatory powers, enforcement actions have been limited, prompting calls for stricter oversight.
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