OSHC ratios

October | 2020

General educator qualifications for OSHC services primarily educating and caring for children over preschool age

In South Australia there are specific educator-to-child ratios and qualifications for out of school hours care (OSHC) services primarily educating and caring for children over preschool age.

The regulations referred to in this fact sheet are the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.

What are the ratios for children over preschool age?

This is covered in r. 123(1)(d). The educator-to-child ratio for children over preschool ages is 1:15.

General qualification requirements for educators for children over preschool age

The first of every two educators required to meet the educator-to-child ratio for children over preschool age must hold an approved qualification that is published by ACECQA in the list of approved qualifications for educators working with children over preschool age for South Australia. You can find information about qualifications for working with school-age children on ACECQA's website.

Please note: For certain qualifications, additional requirements are identified.

In OSHC services, the second educator required to meet the educator-to-child ratios for school-aged children is not required to hold a formal qualification. However, all educators must hold a current  working with children check (WWCC) and be aware of, and understand their obligations, under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA). The educator may also be required to hold an approved first-aid qualification to support the service’s first-aid qualification requirements.

How do I calculate the educator-to-child ratios if I educate and care for children of preschool age?

It is important in a school-aged care setting where preschool children attend, that the ratios for preschool-age children of 1 educator to 11 children are maintained. If your service provides education and care for both preschool-age children and those over preschool age, you can calculate the educator-to-child ratios in accordance with the mixed age requirement in r. 123(2). Examples are provided below.

Example one:

Age of childrenRatioNumber of childrenNumber of educatorsQualification requirements
Preschool-age children1: 1121A minimum of 1 educator is required with an approved qualification for working with children over preschool age.
 
School-age children1: 1599, which can be counted in the educator-to-child ratio of 1 educator to 11 children (above)
Totals 111 educator is required to meet the minimum educator-to-child ratios

Example two:

Age of childrenRatioNumber of childrenNumber of educatorsQualification requirements
Preschool-age children1: 1141

A minimum of 3 educators are required:

  • 2 are required with an approved qualification for working with children over preschool age (first and third educators)
  • 1 is required that does not need a qualification.
School-age children1: 1536

2 educators

  • 7 children can be counted in the educator-to-child ratio of 1 educator to 11 children (above);  therefore 29 children remain at a 1:15
Totals 40A minimum of 3 educators are required to meet the educator-to-child ratios.

Adequate supervision must be maintained at all times, and the needs of each child must be taken into consideration. Services that provide education and care for preschool-age children must also consider:

  • each child’s involvement in the program and engagement in meaningful relationships with each other and educators
  • having appropriate facilities
  • providing suitable activities.

Contact details

Education Standards Board
Phone: (08) 8226 0077 or 1800 882 413
Website: www.esb.sa.gov.au
Email: educationstandardsboard [at] sa.gov.au

This fact sheet provides guidance for approved providers of education and care services to help them operate in line with the National Quality Framework. We also recommend referring directly to the legislation:

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