Activated OSHC Accreditation Program to roll out nationally in 2025

The free Activated OSHC Accreditation Program, designed to help  Outside Schools Hours Care (OSHC) services improve their physical activity and screen time programming will roll out nationally in 2025, following a successful trial period. 

Less than half of Australian school-age children get enough daily physical activity, while two-thirds exceed recreational screen time limits, and OSHC settings are uniquely positioned to help children establish lifelong habits of physical activity and balanced screen use.

Driven by guidelines

Child health experts, educators and government representatives have collaborated to develop the Australian OSHC Physical Activity and Screen Time Guidelines. 

The Guidelines provide clear, evidence-based recommendations on how to schedule opportunities for physical activity and screen time during before school care, after school care and vacation care. This can help children adopt and maintain healthy behaviours.

The Guidelines recommend: 

• Before school care: At least 45 minutes for energetic play and no more than 30 minutes of screen time.
• After school care: At least 90 minutes for energetic play and no more than 60 minutes of screen time.
• Vacation care: At least 2 hours for energetic play and no more than 2 hours of screen time.

By embedding these evidence-based practices, services can create supportive environments that nurture children’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Activated OSHC is designed to help OSHC services meet these new Guidelines while enhancing alignment with Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety of the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Evidenced based program

Building on over a decade of research, the Activated OSHC program was trialled in a three-year study with 200 OSHC services across Australia. Early results from the full dataset show promising improvements in physical activity and screen time for services using the program, compared to the control group. 

With the final analysis pending, the findings already indicate that the program is both effective and easy to implement, driving positive health outcomes for children.

Through free, interactive training modules, educators can learn about the importance of physical activity and limited screen time while gaining practical tools and resources to make these changes sustainable.

A standout feature of the program is its support for services to develop a tailored Physical Activity and Screen Time Policy. This policy ensures alignment with best practices and integrates with Quality Area 2 of the NQF.

Opportunity for accreditation 

Once training is complete and the policy is in place, services can earn accreditation as an Activated OSHC. This designation reflects a service’s commitment to fostering healthy environments for children. Accreditation lasts three years, with ongoing support available for renewal.

Activated OSHC is now free for eligible services. Learn more about the program or register to participate here.