Fair Play OOSH offers advice on establishing professional networking groups

Rebecca Phillips, the approved provider of Fair Play Outside of School Hours (OOSH) service has offered some advice and support for other outside school hours care (OSHC) services who would like to connect and collaborate with other like-minded, quality services. 

“Networking should be free and open to all OSHC services, whether they’re a member of a peak body, a not for profit or private service,” Ms Phillips began. 

All Fair Play OOSH services that operate across Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter participate in the networking group. It’s also open to other OSHC services in the area, with up to 13 additional OSHC services joining the group at its events throughout the year.

Rebecca’s motivation for collaborating is to create an open space where educators can learn, share ideas and network for free. The networking group has formed organically out of conversations that Rebecca has had with other local educators, coordinators and providers. 

The group hosts meetings throughout the year and offers professional development training throughout the year. These events provide invaluable opportunities for educators to engage with their peers, seek feedback and advice, bounce ideas around and problem solve as a collective.

“We learn from each other regardless of how many years of experience we have or what our background is,” Ms Harris said. “We are all on the same journey and coming with open sharing minds is important.”

Another aim of the group is to ensure educators feel connected with and can lean on their peers in the local OSHC community for support. Collaborating between members of the networking group often extends beyond formal gatherings, with services even sharing staff when others need additional staffing.

Group members actively acknowledge the hard work services do to ensure children receive high-quality education and care, and take the time to celebrate both educators and high-quality practice. 

“Our staff are number one all 365 days of the year and know, day in and day out, how appreciated they are by us as providers,” Ms Harris said.

For others who would like to initiate a networking group in their own communities, she offers the following advice. 

“Be open to all services in your area attending, have an agenda and stick to it, and ensure buy-in is from all services attending.” 

Ms Harris also emphasised the importance of creating a positive culture within the network, and ensuring all members share a similar mindset and a willingness to engage in open conversation.

To read the original coverage of this story please see here. More information about Fair Play OOSH is available here.