The expanded High-Intensity OSHC program makes good on a promise from the Labor Government. Photo: Victorian Government.
More specialist schools across Victoria will have access to High-Intensity Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) free of charge, the Victorian Government has announced.
Enabling greater access to the program was a promise of the state’s Labor Government at the last election.
The scheme was created in response to families of children with disabilities telling the government that there was a lack of affordable OSHC and holiday care.
OSHC provides specialised care to children during non-school hours and the government says that it results in improvements to education and wellbeing for students while also alleviating strain on parents.
“We know that finding care outside school hours is one of the biggest challenges families face and these new services will allow children with disability [to] get the tailored care they deserve,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said.
“This program means children with disability can access tailored care close to home at no cost, so parents can spend less time juggling caring with work or study and more time with their loved ones.”
The new schools covered under the initiative include Bass Coast Specialist School in Wonthaggi, Banmira Specialist School in Shepparton, Croxton Special School in Northcote, Croydon Special Developmental School and Eastern Ranges School in Ferntree Gully.
This year’s expansion of the program will be followed by a further five schools to be covered by the program in 2026.
The program is part of $1.6 billion in disability inclusion initiatives across the state to support students with different needs who attend mainstream schools.
