Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

A Complete Guide for Local Families

Goulburn Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provides safe, supervised programs for primary school-aged children beyond the regular school day. With before school care, after school care, and vacation care in school holidays, OSHC in Goulburn helps families balance work, study, and life while giving children a familiar, engaging place to learn, relax, and connect with friends. This guide explains what OSHC includes, how it operates in the region, what it costs, how to enrol, and how Goulburn Outside School Hours Care compares with other local services.

Goulburn Outside School Hours Care – What’s on this page?

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What is OSHC?

OSHC services are designed for children roughly 5–12 years old who are enrolled in primary school. Programs typically operate:

Before School: e.g., 7:00am until the bell
After School: from the afternoon bell until early evening
Vacation Care: full-day programs during school holidays and pupil-free days

Quality Goulburn Outside School Hours Care programs balance supervision, play, and enrichment. A typical week might include:

Active play & sport: team games, obstacle courses, fitness circuits
Creative arts: painting, construction, drama, music, cooking
STEM tasters: maker challenges, simple science experiments, robotics kits
Homework support & quiet zones: a calm space for reading or study
Social clubs: gardening, chess, board games, craft circles
Local experiences (vacation care): incursions, themed days, or local excursions with risk assessments

Because children arrive with different energy levels after a full day of school, Goulburn OSHC services typically offer choice-based stations so kids can unwind or gear up—whatever they need that afternoon.

OSHC in Goulburn

Across the region, Goulburn Outside School Hours Care services are commonly located on school grounds or in nearby community facilities. That means easy drop-off and pick-up, safe handovers, and familiar spaces for children.

What families value about OSHC in Goulburn:

Location & convenience: on-site or close to local primary schools
Consistency: clear routines at the start and end of each day
Qualified staff: trained educators who understand school-age development
Belonging: mixed-age groups that respect friendships and sibling needs
Program variety: physical, creative, and quiet activities every session

Most Goulburn Outside School Hours Care providers are approved under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS), so families can expect regulated staffing, safety, and programming.

Fees and Subsidies

Fees for Goulburn Outside School Hours Care are usually per session:

Before School Care: shorter, lower-cost sessions
After School Care: longer sessions to early evening
Vacation Care: full-day fees (often with optional incursions/excursions)

Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which reduces out-of-pocket costs based on household income, recognised activity hours, and the hourly/session rate. To compare services effectively, ask each Goulburn OSHC provider for:

A current fee schedule (before/after school, vacation care)
What’s included (afternoon tea, transport to activities, excursion fees)
Billing cycles, absence rules, late pick-up fees, and pupil-free day pricing
How they support CCS estimates and statements

Using our on-site Child Care Subsidy Calculator helps families understand likely costs before booking.

Enrolments and Availability

Enrolment is typically handled directly by each provider. Families complete an enrolment form once (medical details, authorised contacts, collection permissions), then book sessions as needed via an app or portal. Priority is often given to families working or studying.

Timing tips for OSHC in Goulburn:

Register early—especially if you’ll need specific weekdays or an immediate start.
Vacation care fills fast: as soon as programs are released, book preferred days.
Share your routine: tell services about rosters, extracurriculars, and pick-up plans.
Keep details updated: medical plans, allergies, emergency contacts.

What to pack: hat, water bottle, suitable shoes for sport, a jumper for cooler afternoons, and any homework materials if you’d like children to use the quiet study area.

OSHC vs Other Services

How Goulburn Outside School Hours Care compares with other local options:

OSHC (5–12yrs): school-age supervision and recreation before/after school and school holidays; larger peer groups, age-appropriate activities, quiet study zones.
Childcare centres: full-day, year-round programs for babies to preschoolers; meals and rest times often included.
Preschools: school-hours, term-time learning for ages 3–5 with strong school-readiness focus.
Family daycare: home-based, small-group care with flexible hours; some educators also support before/after school and holidays.

Families often mix services—for example, a younger sibling might attend long day care while an older child attends Goulburn Outside School Hours Care, simplifying travel and pick-ups.

Data for Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

Percentage of Goulburn OSHC with Current Vacancies

As you can see from the above graph, four of seven Goulburn Outside School Hours Care providers have current vacancies.

NQS Ratings for Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

As you can see from the above graph, three of seven Goulburn Outside School Hours Care providers are meeting the National Quality Standard.

More About Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

Goulburn Outside School Hours Care services are an essential support for families balancing work, study, and personal commitments with the needs of school-aged children. These programs provide safe, structured supervision before and after the school day, as well as during school holidays when parents may need additional care. By combining play, homework support, and social interaction, OSHC gives children the chance to learn, relax, and have fun in a supervised environment.

Most Outside School Hours Care in Goulburn is delivered by approved providers under the National Quality Framework (NQF), ensuring programs meet standards in safety, wellbeing, staffing, and educational outcomes. Families can feel confident knowing that these services are regulated, with regular assessments carried out against the National Quality Standard (NQS). This guarantees that children receive quality care that supports their social, emotional, and academic development.

For parents, one of the biggest benefits of Goulburn Outside School Hours Care is flexibility. Programs often open early in the morning to cover work shifts that start before school hours and extend into the evening for parents who finish work later. Vacation care programs also provide full-day schedules during school holidays, often featuring excursions, creative workshops, sports, and group activities to keep children engaged and active.

Affordability is another important factor. Most OSHC services are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), reducing the overall cost for families. The exact amount depends on household income, activity hours, and the type of care chosen. Families should speak with providers about subsidy eligibility and fee inclusions to understand their options fully.

Choosing the right program depends on your child’s interests, your family’s schedule, and the location of the service. Some Goulburn Outside School Hours Care providers are located on school grounds, making pick-up and drop-off easy, while others operate in community centres with dedicated facilities. Taking the time to visit services, ask questions, and review their daily schedules will help you find the best match for your family.

By exploring our directory of Goulburn Outside School Hours Care listings, you can compare services side by side, learn more about their unique offerings, and connect directly with providers. Whether you need before school care, after school supervision, or full-day holiday programs, these services provide trusted solutions that give parents peace of mind and children a safe, enriching place to spend their time outside regular school hours.

Goulburn Outside School Hours Care is more than supervision—it’s a program designed for school-age wellbeing:

1) Wellbeing & Behaviour Support

Clear expectations, positive behaviour guidance, and restorative conversations
Calm “chill-out” spaces for children who need quiet after school
Safe, inclusive practice for neurodiverse children and those with additional needs

2) Food & Nutrition

Afternoon tea or snacks (where provided) aligned with healthy-eating guidelines
Allergy awareness and safe-foods policies; families can supply alternatives as needed

3) Safety & Supervision

Secure sign-in/out and verified authorised collectors
Active supervision and safe ratios as required under the NQF
Excursion risk assessments and permission notes for vacation care

4) Inclusion & Additional Needs

Collaboration with families and schools to support individual plans
Reasonable adjustments and predictable routines
Access to specialist advice via the provider/coordination team where appropriate

5) Communication with Families

Daily handovers at pick-up; notes or app updates after excursions/incursions
Program overviews so children can choose days that match their interests
Feedback loops—surveys, suggestion boxes, or family forums

Sample After-School Schedule (example)

3:00–3:20 Sign-in, fruit & water, check-in circle
3:20–4:00 Outdoor sport & movement / playground time
4:00–4:30 Homework & quiet reading zone (optional)
4:30–5:15 Creative rotations (art, Lego, cooking, STEM)
5:15–6:00 Pack-up, reflection game, calm activities and pick-ups

When you tour Goulburn Outside School Hours Care services, ask about daily rhythm, activities mix, and how educators tailor sessions to your child’s interests.

Explore More Childcare Options in Goulburn

Out of Hours School Care is a fantastic option for busy families, but you may also wish to explore other services in Goulburn that support children at different ages and stages, including:

Goulburn Childcare Centres – Full-day, centre-based care with structured learning and school readiness programs.
Goulburn Family Daycare – Flexible, home-based care in small groups, ideal for parents seeking personalised attention.
Goulburn Preschools – Early education programs for preschool-aged children that focus on building confidence and preparing for school.

Exploring these alternatives alongside OSHC helps families create a childcare plan that covers both early learning and school-aged care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

Q: What is OSHC in Goulburn?
A: OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) is care for school-aged children before school, after school, and during school holidays.

Q: What ages can attend OSHC?
A: OSHC programs are open to children aged 5–12 years who are enrolled in primary school.

Q: How much does OSHC cost in Goulburn?
A: Costs vary but are generally lower than long-day care. Fees depend on session type and length, with subsidies available.

Q: Is OSHC covered by the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
A: Yes. All approved OSHC providers in Goulburn are eligible for CCS, helping families reduce costs.

Q: What activities are included in Goulburn OSHC programs?
A: Programs may include sports, creative play, excursions, quiet study time, and recreational activities tailored for school-aged children.

Next Steps: Find and Compare Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

Ready to explore? Shortlist Goulburn Outside School Hours Care services close to your school or commute, book a visit, and ask about daily routines, activities, fees, and CCS. With the right information, you’ll find a program that fits your schedule and gives your child a fun, secure place to spend time beyond the school day.

Find and Compare Goulburn Outside School Hours Care

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