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The out of school hours care (OSHC) policy (PDF 187 KB) and the provision of out of school hours care (OSHC) services on department sites procedure (PDF 376 KB) allows commercial and not-for-profit providers to operate OSHC at SA government schools.
Engaging a third-party provider
The outsourcing process can take up to 6 months to complete (this includes time required for regulatory approvals). You must ensure that the commencement date you nominate allows sufficient time for the process to be undertaken as follows:
- School decision to proceed with outsourcing (around 1 month)
- Outsourcing preparation and selection process (between 6 to 8 weeks)
- Approval processes (at least 1.5 months and up to 3 months)
You must follow the outsourcing process
Read the steps to engage a third-party provider (PDF 444 KB) .
Use the templates we provide, including:
Tips for developing OSHC service specifications
Your school principal is responsible for developing the OSHC service specifications. They must ensure that the specifications do not provide an advantage or disadvantage to any potential tenderer and must complete and sign a probity statement on school letterhead.
Before completing the service specifications you must read the steps to engage a third-party provider (PDF 444 KB) . Also keep in mind:
- The service specifications you create will be inserted into the Request for Quote (RFQ) document that we will send to providers. It is essential that they accurately reflect what is important about school age care in your community and for your families.
- You need to determine the physical location of where the OSHC service will operate. Read the Education and Standards Board's fact sheets on physical environment to make sure that your specifications meet the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
- You must ensure that the commencement date you nominate allows sufficient time for the procurement process (about 6 months).
The suggestions we provide on this page and in our templates do not cover all potential service requirements that your school may have. You should adjust them to reflect your school’s needs and include any additional requirements you have.
Contact the Early Childhood Programs – OSHC Unit on 8226 6427 or education.oshc@sa.gov.au for any queries in relation to service specifications.
You can also contact the Procurement unit on 8226 1610 or by email to Education.ProcurementUnit@sa.gov.au for questions regarding procurement.
Selecting a third-party provider
The selection of third-party providers must be undertaken in accordance with the provision of out of school hours care (OSHC) services on department sites procedure (PDF 376 KB) .
The department manages a panel of approved providers.
School governing councils who plan to engage a third-party OSHC provider will need to select a provider from the panel of approved providers.
Once a school governing council has selected their preferred approved provider the Procurement unit will assist in formalising the licence and services agreement which will be between the minister, the school governing council and the third-party provider.
View an example OSHC licence and services agreement (PDF 645 KB) here.
Panel of approved providers
Approved providers that have responded to an expression of interest and have demonstrated their ability to meet mandatory criteria have been selected for the approved provider panel.
Approved providers have indicated the regions across the state they would like to operate an OSHC service. This information must be considered when selecting the providers the school governing council will approach for a quote.
Joining the panel
If approved providers would like to join the panel of approved providers, please contact the Procurement unit on 8226 1610, or by email at Education.ProcurementUnit@sa.gov.au.
Contract management plan
Each school with a licence and services agreement must have a contract management plan. The contract management plan captures the key tasks and responsibilities to effectively manage the licence and services agreement. You also need to do an annual survey. Use the following templates:
