Why 2 Million Parents Can’t Work: The OSHC Access Gap

Australia is facing a significant shortage in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), leaving many families—particularly working mothers—struggling to balance employment and childcare responsibilities.

National Access Gaps

• Only 1 in 5 students nationally have access to OSHC on any given school day.
• Regional disparities are stark:
  • Broken Hill and far-west NSW: 13 schools share just 3 OSHC services.
  • Perth: OSHC available to only 17% of primary students.
  • Leichhardt (Sydney): Highest access rate at 45%.

State-by-State Comparison

• ACT leads with 1 in 3 students covered.
• Western Australia lags behind with just 16% access.

Economic Impact

• Over 2 million parents with children under 15 are underemployed or out of the workforce due to childcare barriers.
• More than half cite lack of childcare as the primary reason.
• Example: Dr Samantha Goss, a GP in Tasmania, misses up to 12 patient appointments daily due to OSHC constraints.

Sector Recommendations

• Prioritise on-site OSHC services at schools.
• Improve access to school buildings for OSHC providers.
• Invest in infrastructure tailored to OSHC needs.
• Implement nationally consistent workforce reforms.
• Enhance pay, training, and safety standards for OSHC staff.

Further Reading 

Program Planning In OSHC Services
Strategies to Promote Positive Behaviour In OOSH Services

Reference:

Nationwide Shortage Of Outside School Hours Care Leaves Parents In Work Limbo