Call for OSHC professionals to contribute to research on programming for older children

OSHC professionals working with older primary school-aged children are invited to contribute to new research exploring how services support children aged 10 to 12. The University of Melbourne study aims to strengthen understanding of effective strategies, challenges and support needs in Outside School Hours Care.

A new research project is calling on Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) professionals across Australia to share insights about programming for older children.

Led by University of Melbourne researcher Dr Bruce Hurst, the project explores how educators work with children aged 10–12 years in OSHC settings, a cohort that has historically received limited attention in research compared with younger children.

While much of the evidence base in early childhood education and care focuses on children in the early years, the experiences and needs of older primary school-aged children in OSHC remain less well understood.

The study aims to better understand how educators design programs that engage older children, the challenges services face when supporting this age group, and what resources or professional supports could strengthen practice.

Dr Hurst, a long-time OSHC researcher, is inviting educators, coordinators and service leaders to participate in a short survey that examines current approaches to programming for older children.

Insights gathered through the research will contribute to a growing evidence base about how OSHC services can support children aged 10 to 12 to remain engaged, connected and active participants in after school and vacation care environments.

Participants will be asked to reflect on several areas of practice, including:

• how programs are developed to engage children aged 10 to 12
• common challenges when supporting older children in OSHC
• strategies that have proven successful in practice
• resources or supports that could strengthen programming for this age group.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open until Friday 20 March.

Findings from the research may help inform future sector discussions about program design, professional learning and service support for educators working with older children.

OSHC professionals interested in contributing to the project can complete the survey here.

 

Further information about the research project is available from Dr Bruce Hurst via email at [email protected]