How The Den Supports Kindergarten and Year 1 Children at Valentine OSHC

Starting school is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a big adjustment for young children. At the Y NSW's Valentine Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), educators recognised that Kindergarten and Year 1 students benefit from additional support, calm environments, and age-appropriate experiences during their transition to school.

To meet this need, the service created The Den, a dedicated OSHC space designed specifically for younger primary school students. The initiative is helping children build confidence, develop friendships, and strengthen their wellbeing while enjoying Before and After School Care in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Den features a thoughtfully designed space with cosy reading nooks, sensory play stations, creative activity areas, and opportunities for imaginative play. It allows children to build confidence, develop friendships and participate in activities specifically designed for their age group.

"The children love having a space that feels like their own," said Service Director at Valentine OSHC Olivia Goodwin.

"They especially enjoy the comfortable reading corners, tailored craft setups and sensory play stations."

Created as a welcoming home away from home, The Den provides a gentle transition between the classroom and OSHC, giving children a space where they can relax, recharge and connect with peers in an environment tailored to their developmental needs.

On a typical day, between 45 and 75 children attend Before and After School Care at the service, and around 30 Kindergarten and Year 1 students spend time in The Den. The impact has been significant, not only for younger children but for the entire OSHC community.

"There is a unanimous feeling among the team that The Den has been the best decision we have ever made for our service," Olivia exclaimed.

Families have also embraced the initiative, sharing positive feedback about the calm, secure environment created for their children. Parents appreciate knowing their young learners have a dedicated space that supports a smoother transition into school life while catering to their individual interests and needs.

Beyond supporting younger students, The Den has also created opportunities for older children to step into leadership roles. Through planned interactions and activities, older students are developing empathy, kindness and confidence as they engage with younger peers. The service is now looking to formalise these peer-bonding opportunities, strengthening leadership skills while providing positive role models for younger children.

The focus on wellbeing extends even further through a partnership with The Resilience Project, which delivers programs centred on gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy. By embedding these habits into daily routines, the team is helping children build strong foundations for resilience and wellbeing from the beginning of their school journey.

Reflecting on the success of The Den, Olivia credits the dedication of her team.

"I am exceptionally proud of our educators for their ongoing flexibility, willingness to welcome change, and unwavering commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with our children and families," she said.

The Den demonstrates how a simple idea, grounded in understanding children's needs, can make a lasting difference. By creating a space where young learners feel safe, supported and empowered, the team at Valentine OSHC is helping children start their school journey with confidence and a sense of belonging.

In addition to supporting and empowering children at Valentine OSHC, the Y NSW is continuing to prioritise child safety across the state. We appreciate the support of the Hon. Yasmin Catley - the Member for Swansea, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, and Minister for the Hunter - who recently visited Valentine OSHC to hear about how the Y NSW is prioritising child safety and inspiring lives.