Your OSHC
Big School, Big Fun!
Starting school marks the beginning of a new adventure for your child, and with it comes the need for extra support outside of regular school hours. Understanding what’s available can make this transition easier for both you and your little one. Get your child big school ready today!
Helping Your Child Transition with Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
As your child starts their journey to primary school, you might be hearing about something called OSHC – Outside School Hours Care. But what is it exactly? OSHC is a safe, fun, and engaging program offered before and after school, and even during school holidays, designed to support your child’s development while making life easier for busy families.
What to Expect
Our programs are here to provide more than just care. Here’s what you’ll find at each of our programs:
Your OSHC
At Your OSHC, our before and after school care program, we offer a playful space where every activity is designed to spark your child’s interests and boost their confidence, curiosity, and resilience. It’s all about having fun through purposeful play and forging meaningful connections in a safe and engaging environment. It’s also another way to help support your child’s overall transition to primary school in a fun and supportive environment.
Rocketeers
At Rocketeers, our school holiday program, we give children a chance to escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary to make their term break unforgettable. Think creative art workshops, fun games and sports – each day offers a unique experience.
Joining our Rocketeers holiday program before school starts helps children ease into their new environment, making the transition to primary school smoother.
How Can OSHC Help?
We understand that starting school can feel a bit daunting, so our programs are here to help your child feel secure, confident and excited about starting school by:
Easing the Transition
We offer a welcoming environment where children can get used to new routines and school life, surrounded by supportive educators.
Building Independence
We encourage children to take on small responsibilities, such as serving themselves afternoon tea or choosing from healthy snack options. This helps them feel more confident and self-reliant as they prepare for the routines of primary school.
Building Friendships
Your child will have the chance to make new friends through group activities, which helps them feel more at ease as they start school.
Free Webinar: Get Ready for Big School
Join us for our free webinar, “Get Ready for Big School,” hosted by one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, Dr Justin Coulson. This session offers practical advice and guidance to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to support your child’s transition into primary school.
Here’s what other parents have shared about their child’s transition to school
“The support for our preppie has been amazing this year. He had challenges in daycare before starting school and we were uncertain how he would take to Camp. We started out slowly with just afternoons a few days a week and increasing to some mornings. He loves going to camp, he feels included and supported which is such a relief as a parent. The team at Camp are really supportive”
– Parent
Helpful Resources
Looking for more tips and guidance? We’ve got you covered with these resources:
How to Decide if After School Care is Right for You
How to Boost Your Child’s Sense of Belonging in Primary School
5 Tips on Getting Ready to Start School
Tips for the transition to ‘big school’
Save money with the Child Care Subsidy!
Did you know you can reduce the cost of care with a Government subsidy?
Apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to determine whether you’re eligible.
To apply, simply:
- Log into MyGov and complete your Child Care Subsidy application.
- Once you have applied, ensure you have updated your child’s date of birth and CRN within the Camp Australia Parent Portal.
- When prompted by the Government, log back into your MyGov account and confirm your enrolment with Camp Australia.
It’s as easy as that! Start saving money today!
What Does It Mean for a Child to Be “School Ready” in Australia?
Starting school in Australia is about preparing your child for school by helping them feel ready to face a whole new world. It’s knowing they’re prepared for routines, friendships, and all those little moments that make up a school day.
School readiness in Australia goes beyond academics; it’s about ensuring children are emotionally and socially prepared for big school. That means encouraging emotional readiness for school and making sure your child feels confident to take on new experiences with excitement and joy. If you’re wondering what kids need to know before primary school, it’s important to focus on key skills, like independence and social engagement, as much as the academic learning that comes with their schooling.
How Can Parents Help Their Child Build Independence Before Starting School?
Getting your child big school ready means helping them feel confident in handling day-to-day tasks on their own. By practising school readiness skills at home, you’re helping them prepare for the school day with ease. Here are some ideas:
- Encourage your child to pack their own school bag (yes, it can get messy, but it’s worth it!).
- Teach them to manage their own snacks and lunchbox. (There’s nothing more empowering than being able to open your own apple pouch!).
- Let them choose their clothes and dress independently, even if it’s a bit mismatched at first!
Every small step builds confidence, and we all know how important confidence building for school starters is! These actions also help establish a sense of ownership and responsibility, which are key factors in emotional readiness for school.
How Can Families Prepare Children for Daily School Routines and Expectations?
Daily school routines can be a big change for kids, so it’s important to introduce them gradually. Start by setting consistent bedtime and wake-up routines at home, and try to stick to school-like times as much as possible.
You might even practice having “school-like activities”, like setting the table, practicing lunch breaks, or creating a simple morning routine with them. These routines can help children adjust more easily
Parents are often unsure about how to prepare their child for this transition. So, what do kids need to know before primary school in terms of expectations and structure? It’s about getting your child used to the routines of school life, including breaks, throughout the school day.
These examples of routine-setting can make the school day feel a lot less overwhelming when your child has had some practice with routines that mimic the school day.
How Can Before and After School Care Programs Like Big School Ready Support the Transition to School?
At Camp Australia, we understand that the transition to big school doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. That’s why our before and after school care programs for prep kids are designed to help your child build social connections and enjoy fun activities after school.
By giving your child the chance to relax, play, and make new friends in a familiar environment, we ensure they stay engaged and happy long after the school day ends. Our caring educators support your child through the transition, making it an easy and enjoyable experience. These programs also help with the types of school readiness checklist Australian parents and caregivers often ask about. It goes a long way towards supporting children in adjusting to their new routine and expectations.
How Can Parents of Children with Additional Needs Prepare for the Move to Primary School?
If your child has additional needs, the transition to primary school might require a little extra preparation. We recommend working closely with the school to discuss specific requirements your child has, to help them feel more comfortable.
Helping your child start school is about making sure they have the right support at every step. It’s important to start early by ensuring that child care options before starting school are tailored to their unique needs. This could mean extra support from school staff or even using programs like before and after school care to ease the transition.
Remember, school can be an exciting and positive experience for all children, and we’re here to support you in every step of the journey.
Ready to Help Your Child Feel Confident and Excited About Starting School?
Explore our Big School Ready information and discover how Camp Australia’s Before and After School Care can support your child’s transition to school. From building confidence to easing first-day nerves, we’re here to make sure your child is ready for their first day — and every day after that.
If you want to know more about how to get your child ready for big school, take a look at our FAQ’s for more info.
Let’s make their first year unforgettable!
