Aspiring leaders program recognised in AITD Excellence Awards 2026

Leadership capability is emerging as a critical factor in the quality, consistency and day-to-day operation of outside school hours care (OSHC) services.

As expectations around service delivery, governance and communication continue to rise, the ability of services to build and sustain effective leadership at the local level is becoming increasingly visible.

A leadership development initiative supporting outside school hours care (OSHC) professionals has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) Excellence Awards.

The Aspiring Leaders Program, delivered by Camp Australia, has been acknowledged in the categories of leadership development and blended learning, reflecting a broader shift in how leadership capability is being developed across the sector.

Across OSHC, services are operating in increasingly complex environments, with heightened expectations from schools and families around consistency, communication and program quality.

Within this context, leadership at the service level plays a central role in how effectively teams are supported and how consistently programs are delivered.

The Aspiring Leaders Program has been designed to respond to these conditions by supporting educators to develop practical leadership skills while remaining in their roles.

Participants undertake weekly sessions, mentoring and hands-on projects, with a focus on team leadership, day-to-day operations and effective communication.

This in-role approach to leadership development reflects a shift away from standalone training models towards embedded, practice-based learning.

Program outcomes point to measurable impacts at both service and workforce levels.

According to program data:

• 91 per cent of participants rated the program highly
• 84 per cent remained with the organisation 12 months after completion
• 42 per cent progressed into leadership roles

These outcomes suggest a link between structured leadership development and improved workforce stability, which is increasingly recognised as a key factor in maintaining continuity and quality in OSHC environments.

Camp Australia Chief People Officer, Alissa Taylor said the recognition reflects the organisation’s long-term investment in building leadership capability where it matters most.

“The Aspiring Leaders Program is about strengthening our leadership pipeline at the service level and ensuring our service leaders feel confident, supported and equipped to continue to lead at service and be prepared for new opportunities,” they said.

“Being recognised by AITD reinforces the impact of developing our people through practical, in-role learning that directly benefits our teams, services and the children and families we support.”

For services, the program has been associated with more consistent leadership, clearer communication and improved team stability, contributing to smoother day-to-day operations.

Feedback from participants highlights the immediate impact of the program on professional confidence and practice.

Program graduate Mia Aros said the experience supported leadership development and team engagement.

“The program helped me grow as a leader. I now feel confident supporting my team and creating a positive culture,” Ms Aros said.

The program’s recognition in the AITD Excellence Awards aligns with a broader sector focus on strengthening leadership capability as a foundation for quality.

Rather than emerging incidentally, leadership is increasingly being developed through structured, intentional approaches that align with service needs and workforce expectations.

Within the context of the National Quality Framework, leadership and workforce capability are central to delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes for children, particularly in areas relating to staffing arrangements, relationships and continuous improvement.

As OSHC services continue to respond to increasing expectations from regulators, schools and families, the role of leadership in supporting stable teams and consistent practice is likely to remain a key area of focus.