The Y NSW has launched Prioritising Child Safety, a statewide advocacy campaign calling for policy reform in outside school hours care (OSHC) services to deliver stronger safeguards and consistent supervision standards that put children’s safety and wellbeing first.
The importance of supervision and structured safeguarding in OSHC services has long been recognised as essential to creating safe environments. Most recently, the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority's (ACECQA) rapid assessment found that further action is needed to strengthen these practices.
At the heart of the campaign is a clear call for strengthening regulations: every child should be cared for with at least two educators always present. The Y NSW says a two-educator model is a fundamental safeguard that improves supervision, visibility and accountability and should be standard practice across the sector.
“Children’s safety and wellbeing must always come first,” said Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.
“When services operate with only one educator present, it significantly increases risk for children and for educators. A consistent two-educator model is a simple, practical safeguard that puts children first and helps protect everyone involved,” Mr Kennaugh said.
Despite the vital role OSHC services play in supporting families and communities, supervision and staffing standards vary significantly across the sector. The Y NSW warns these inconsistencies create unnecessary risk and leave children at greater risk.
“For too long, gaps in policy and regulation have allowed inconsistent supervision practices to exist within the same system,” Mr Kennaugh said. “Prioritising Child Safety is about setting a clear, consistent expectation for safe supervision standards across OSHC that reflects what families expect and what children deserve.”
As part of the Prioritising Child Safety campaign, the Y NSW is calling on parents, families, educators and community members to show their support by pledging their support for stronger safeguards and consistent supervision standards.
“Community voices matter,” Mr Kennaugh said. “We want to work together with government, communities, and the sector to prioritise child safety with lasting policy change.”
The Y NSW is encouraging the public to visit its website to learn more about the Prioritising Child Safety campaign and sign the pledge calling for stronger safeguards and consistent supervision standards across OSHC services.
Visit prioritisingchildsafety.org.au to sign the pledge and help prioritise child safety across OSHC services.
To view The Y NSW Positioning Statement click here.
To view What Is The Two-Educator Model? click here.
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