Forrest Out Of School Hours Care achieves third Excellent Rating

Forrest Out Of School Hours Care (FOOSHC) in Canberra has once again achieved the highest rating under the National Quality Framework (NQF), with ACECQA awarding the service its third Excellent rating, valid until 9 February 2030.

The service was recognised for its commitment to collaborative partnerships with community, professional and research organisations; its inclusive engagement with children and families; its positive workplace culture and sustained investment in professional development for educators; and its practices that consistently enhance children’s learning and growth.

Child-led innovation: A permanent playpod

After observing children consistently transporting loose parts to a nearby oval to create makeshift slides, FOOSHC educators facilitated a series of critical reflection sessions. These conversations, involving children and stakeholders, led to advocacy for the installation of a permanent playpod.

The playpod now enhances opportunities for child-led, risk-based play, and has influenced broader practice across the school community, reinforcing the service’s commitment to listening to children’s ideas and supporting agency.

Advocacy for educator accessibility

Demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusion, FOOSHC worked closely with an educator living with cerebral palsy to identify and remove barriers to independent participation.

Through sustained advocacy with the school and relevant authorities, the service secured the installation of new permanent ramps, improved parking facilities, a new access system, and widened doorways — creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all staff and children.

Investing in professional development: Playworker in Residence

FOOSHC has also invested in a Playworker in Residence program, bringing external expertise into the service to deepen educators’ understanding of playwork theory and practice.

The program provides coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities for the team, strengthening their capacity to support truly child-led, play-based learning environments.

Sharing expertise across the sector

As a recognised leader in the out-of-school hours care sector, FOOSHC actively shares its expertise with other services and schools. The service mentors other educators, offers professional exchanges, and promotes strong child-led approaches to programming, contributing to broader sector capacity building.

To learn more about the Excellent rating, click here.