Educator qualifications and educator-to-child ratios for OSHC services (South Australia)
In South Australia there are specific educator to child ratios and qualifications for out of school hours care (OSHC) services primarily educating and caring for children over preschool age.
The regulations referred to in this fact sheet are the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.
What are the ratios for children over preschool age?
This is covered in Regulation 123(1)(d)
The minimum educator to child ratio for children over preschool age is 1:15.
The minimum educator to child ratio for children preschool age is 1:11.
Qualification requirements for educators for children over preschool age
- The first of every two educators required to meet the educator to child ratio for children over preschool age must be a qualified educator and hold a qualification from the ACECQA list of approved qualifications for educators working with children over preschool age for South Australia.
- At least one of the qualified educators at the service must be a first qualified educator.
In an OSHC service in South Australia:
- The first qualified educator required to meet the qualified educator to child ratio in an OSHC service (the first qualified educator) must hold a diploma (or equivalent) or higher-level qualification from the ACECQA approved list of qualifications.
- All other educators required to meet the qualified educator to child ratio in an OSHC service (the second and subsequent qualified educators) must hold a certificate III (or equivalent), or certificate IV, or a higher-level qualification from the ACECQA approved list of qualifications. Successful completion of 50% of a diploma in education, care or disability is deemed to be equivalent to a certificate III level qualification.
- Any other educators required to meet the ratio requirements do not need to hold a qualification.
The published list of approved qualifications for educators working with children over preschool age for South Australia is available on ACECQA’s website.
In regulation 321:
- The first qualified educator means an educator who holds a qualification from the approved ACECQA list of qualifications for first qualified educators.
- A qualified educator means an educator who is a first qualified educator or holds a qualification listed in the approved ACECQA list of qualifications for second and subsequent educators.
In OSHC services, all educators must hold a current working with children check (WWCC) and be aware of, and understand their obligations, under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA). First aid qualifications are required as stated in Regulation 136.
How do I calculate educator-to-child ratios?
The ACECQA calculator may assist in determining educator to child ratios.
It is important in a school-aged care setting where preschool children attend, that the ratios for preschool-age children of 1 educator to 11 children are maintained. If your service provides education and care for both preschool-age children and those over preschool age, you can calculate the educator to child ratios in accordance with the mixed age requirement in Regulation 123(2).
Please refer to downloadable factsheet below for examples.
Mixed ratios examples:
It is important in a school-aged care setting where preschool children attend, that the ratios for preschool-age children of 1 educator to 11 children are maintained. If your service provides education and care for both preschool-age children and those over preschool age, you can calculate the educator to child ratios in accordance with the mixed age requirement in Regulation 123(2).
Contact details
Education Standards Board
Phone: (08) 8226 0077 or 1800 882 413
Website: www.esb.sa.gov.au
Email: educationstandardsboard@sa.gov.au
This fact sheet provides guidance for approved providers of education and care services to help them operate in line with the National Quality Framework. We also recommend referring directly to the legislation:
- Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011 (SA), incorporating the Education and Care Services National Law (South Australia)
- Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
- Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Regulations 2011 (SA).
