How to choose an OSHC provider: 7 questions to ask

Not all out of school hours care is the same. Before you enrol, these seven questions will help you compare providers on what actually matters — and know what a good answer sounds like.

1. Is the service government-approved and CCS-approved?

This is the first filter. Only approved providers can offer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which covers up to 90% of fees. If a service isn't CCS-approved, you'll pay full price. Amana OSHC is a government-approved, CCS-approved provider regulated under the National Quality Framework.

2. What will I actually pay after CCS?

Ignore the sticker price — ask for the gap fee after the subsidy. That's the real cost. At Amana, most families pay from $3.86 a session for after school care once CCS is applied. A good provider will help you estimate your exact cost before you commit.

3. What's the educator-to-child ratio?

Lower ratios mean more attention and better supervision. The government mandate is 1:15; Amana maintains 1:12. Ask, and compare.

4. Where is the care held — and how does pickup work?

Care on your child's own school grounds means no second pickup and no rushing across town. Ask where the service runs and how younger children get there — at Amana, educators collect Kindergarten and Prep children directly from their classrooms.

5. Is food provided, and does it suit our family?

Ask what's served and whether dietary needs are met. At Amana, breakfast and afternoon tea are included and all food is halal, prepared on-site — parents don't pack food.

6. What actually happens during a session?

"Supervised care" can mean very different things. Ask about the program: is there dedicated homework time? Structured activities? At Amana, afternoons include homework support plus sport, art, creativity and Quran (through our Iqra Circle program) — at no extra cost.

7. How do bookings, absences and communication work?

Flexibility matters. Ask about casual vs recurring bookings, notice periods, and how you'll hear about your child's day. Amana offers both booking types, a parent app for bookings and daily updates, and WhatsApp support.

The bottom line

The best OSHC feels like a seamless extension of the school day — safe, enriching, and genuinely affordable after CCS. If you'd like to see how Amana measures up, find your school or get in touch with your questions.