Wollongong Outside School Hours Care

Balancing work, school, and family life can be challenging — and that’s where Wollongong Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services come in. Designed for primary school-aged children, OSHC provides safe, engaging, and flexible care before and after school, as well as during school holidays. Whether you’re looking for a convenient daily solution or a trusted holiday program, OSHC in Wollongong helps families bridge the gap between home and school with quality care and enriching activities.

What Is Outside School Hours Care?

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) refers to supervised care programs available before school (typically from 6:30–9:00 am), after school (from around 3:00–6:00 pm), and during school holidays (often called vacation care). These programs cater to children aged 5–12 and are usually located on school grounds or nearby community facilities.

OSHC services do more than supervise children — they offer structured, age-appropriate activities that support social development, creativity, and physical wellbeing. Programs might include art and craft, STEM projects, outdoor play, cooking, drama, and homework support, all delivered in a safe, inclusive environment.

Wollongong Outside School Hours Care: What to Expect

Families across the Illawarra region have access to a wide range of Wollongong Outside School Hours Care options, from not-for-profit community services to large national providers. Many operate directly within public and private primary schools across suburbs like Dapto, Fairy Meadow, Figtree, Corrimal, and Thirroul, while others run from standalone centres or recreation facilities.

OSHC programs are guided by the My Time, Our Place Framework, Australia’s approved learning framework for school-aged care. This ensures that services support children’s autonomy, friendships, life skills, and confidence — not just their safety and supervision.

Some programs also offer specialised activities like sports coaching, gardening, robotics, or environmental education, making after-school time both fun and educational.

Wollongong Outside School Hours Care: Fees and Subsidies

The cost of Wollongong Outside School Hours Care depends on the type of program, location, and session length. Typical fees range from:

Before School Care: $20–$35 per session
After School Care: $25–$45 per session
Vacation Care: $60–$90 per day

Most OSHC services are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible families. Subsidy rates depend on household income, recognised activity hours, and the service’s hourly rate. Many services will calculate your estimated subsidy at enrolment, or you can check it directly through your myGov account.

Wollongong Outside School Hours Care: Enrolment and Availability

Because Wollongong OSHC services are closely linked to primary schools, demand can vary significantly from site to site. It’s recommended to enquire as early as possible — ideally before the start of a new school year or term — to secure a place.

The typical enrolment process involves:

Contacting the OSHC provider and completing a registration form
Providing details about your child’s medical needs, allergies, and emergency contacts
Booking regular sessions in advance (some services also allow casual bookings)

Vacation care programs often fill quickly, so booking early during school holidays is especially important.

OSHC vs Other Childcare Options

While OSHC is designed specifically for school-aged children, many families use it alongside other forms of care. Here’s how it compares:

Childcare Centres: Ideal for children from birth to school age, offering full-day programs and early education.
Family Daycare: May include care for school-aged children but usually operates on a smaller scale.
Preschools: Focus on early learning for 3–5-year-olds and do not typically provide care outside school hours.

If your child is already attending school, OSHC is usually the most convenient and age-appropriate option.

Tips for Choosing OSHC in Wollongong

Check operating hours: Ensure they align with your work schedule and commute times.
Ask about the program: Look for services that offer a mix of free play, structured activities, and learning support.
Visit the service: Touring the facility helps you understand the environment, supervision levels, and safety measures.
Look at staff qualifications: Educators should be experienced in working with school-aged children and trained in first aid and behaviour support.
Consider location: Choosing a service at or near your child’s school reduces travel time and simplifies your routine.

Explore More Childcare Options in Wollongong

OSHC is just one piece of the childcare puzzle. Depending on your family’s needs, you may also want to explore:

Wollongong Childcare Centres – Long-day care for younger children.
Wollongong Family Daycare – Flexible, small-scale home-based care.
Wollongong Preschools – Early learning programs for ages 3–5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wollongong Outside School Hours Care

Q: What age can my child attend OSHC?
A: Most programs cater to primary school-aged children from 5 to 12 years old.

Q: Does the Child Care Subsidy apply to OSHC?
A: Yes. Most approved Wollongong Outside School Hours Care services accept CCS, reducing fees for eligible families.

Q: Are meals provided?
A: Many OSHC services offer breakfast, afternoon tea, or snacks, but inclusions vary — check with your provider.

Q: Can I book casually or do I need a regular schedule?
A: Most services offer both permanent and casual bookings, though casual availability may be limited.

Q: Are vacation care programs different from term-time OSHC?
A: Vacation care runs during school holidays and often includes special excursions, themed days, and longer hours.