Routines and Rules

Routines play an important role in the operation of an OSHC service. It allows the service to operate effectively and efficiently and makes for a relaxed environment for staff, children, and families.

Before School Care routines can consist of children completing homework, reading, playing board games or participating in a group game. 

Older children may be allowed to leave the premises and go to school prior to 8.30am with parental consent.  All other school age children may leave from 8.30am. Preparatory children are walked to the Prep Room at by staff.

At After School Care children are signed in by a staff member immediately after school.  A light, nutritious snack is served, followed by time for homework (optional).  A variety of structured activities such as cooking, craft, sports and music are organised daily.  Opportunities for unstructured play are also available to all children.  Where permission is given, children may leave the premises for a period of time during the afternoon to attend extra activities offered by providers not affiliated with YMCA OSHC.

YMCA OSHC has rules that are applied in all services.  These rules are as follows:

• Respect Everyone
• Be Safe
• Be Fair
• Be Aware
• Kind Hands

Individual services also create their own specific rules that are clear, child focused, based on acceptable wider community expectations, easy to understand and are on display throughout the service.  The children are integral in deciding these rules and associated consequences.  Staff discuss the Rules of Behaviour with the children on a regular basis, helping the children to focus on appropriate behaviour and understand the consequences or choices and actions. 

We accept that children will come to YMCA OSHC from a variety of backgrounds and various stages of socialisation. Children should be happy and want to attend our services.  Behaviour support and management strategies play an important role in the smooth and safe running of the service.

Families, staff and children all have roles to play, as detailed in behaviour support and management policies.  YMCA OSHC recognises the wide range of age groups that access school age care, as well as the differing developmental needs of individual children. 

Behaviour support and management is approached by applying appropriate measures (in keeping with community standards), using consistency and compassion, having regard at all times to the respect and dignity and individual uniqueness of the child and having regard to the other principles set out in the Philosophy Statement of YMCA OSHC.

Staff are trained in the developmental stages of the differing ages of the children who attend YMCA OSHC, and will apply appropriate behaviour support and guidance techniques which will be consistent with the philosophy of the service.