Communities NSW

PCAL - Guidelines for using external providers for physical activity in out of school hours centres

Published: January 2009

Summary

In Out of School Hours (OOSH) centres, physical activity occurs most commonly as part of play. They also promote physical activity through organised sport, games and activities. OOSH staff have general knowledge of the benefits of physical activity and are often best placed to facilitate these activities. They are also better able to meet the individual needs of children. However, some OOSH centres may choose to engage an external provider to extend the physical activity program.

These guidelines are designed to help OOSH centre management committees / coordinators if they choose to hire an external provider. The guidelines may be used by management committees / coordinators to make informed decisions about which provider to select. There are four parts to the guidelines:

1. Background – The benefits of physical activity, and the role OOSH centres can play in encouraging children to be physically active.
2. Choosing a provider – A checklist of criteria to consider when hiring an external provider, such as qualifications, insurance cover and equipment. It is not essential that a provider meets every one of these criteria, but they are all highly desirable, and a good provider should be prepared to meet the majority.
3. Responsibilities of the OOSH centre – A checklist of responsibilities an OOSH centre should meet when hiring an external provider, such as child protection, supervision by OOSH staff, and consulting with parents and caregivers about the proposed use of a provider and the cost involved.
4. Further information – A list of organisations and resources that OOSH centres may choose to access.

Acknowledgement

Guidelines for using external providers for physical activity in out-of-school-hours centres Prepared by the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) in collaboration with Network of Community Activities for the NSW Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL)

© NSW Premier’s Council for Active Living, November 2008

For further information, contact: NSW Premier’s Council for Active Living Level 3, 80 William Street, Sydney NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 9219 2438 fax: (02) 9219 2424

Copies of this report are also available at www.pcal.nsw.gov.au

Images used in this publication are courtesy of the NSW Department of Education and Training and Network of Community Activities Australian Better Health Initiative: A joint Australian, State and Territory government initiative