Changes to OSHC qualification rules in South Australia

Changes were made to Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) qualifications in South Australia on 10 May 2024, recognising Certificate III holders from a variety of backgrounds as qualified for the first time.

The updated qualifications specific to SA are listed on the ACECQA website. Essentially a two-tier qualification system has been introduced to SA through changes to the Education and Care Services National Regulations. 

These changes mean:

• at least one educator (present at all times the service is operating) must hold an approved diploma qualification (or higher) as listed by ACECQA for South Australia
• any additional educators required to be qualified can hold a certificate III level qualification (or higher) in education, care or disability
• 50 per cent completion of a Diploma in education, care or disability will be considered equivalent to a Certificate III
• 1 qualified educator is still required for every 30 children
• the staff to child ratio is unchanged (minimum educator to child ratio of 1:15 for school aged children and 1:11 for preschool aged children)
• all previously listed qualifications for SA OSHC services continue to be recognised
• OSHC services can still include unqualified educators per the current arrangements.

These changes to the OSHC qualifications apply only in South Australia. The updated qualifications specific to SA are listed on the ACECQA website.