Alternative child care solutions for after school
You put your name down early and followed up with the service, but you're still on the waitlist. With term one getting closer, the question of who'll collect the kids at 3pm is starting to feel urgent.
Before you start rearranging your whole working week, take a breath. OSHC is the most common type of after school care, but it isn't the only one, and plenty of Aussie families cover the afternoons with a mix of other arrangements.
Why is after school care so hard to find in Australia?
After school care is hard to find because there are far fewer OSHC places than there are primary school children who need them. Educator shortages and limited space on school grounds add to the squeeze.
Max Hall from University of Sydney's Policy Lab said, "Nationally, only about one in five students have a place available to them" in before and after school care on any given school day. If your school's service is full, stay on the waitlist and check whether a service at a nearby school has room.
Is family day care a good option for after school care?
Family day care can be a great option for after school care. Educators look after small groups of children in their own homes, and many offer before and after school care with school drop-offs and pick-ups included.
Under the National Quality Framework, a family day care educator can care for up to seven children at a time, with no more than four of them preschool age or under. That leaves room for a few school-aged children in the afternoons.
“[Family day care] small group setting allows for tailored and flexible learning experiences that can suit each child's interests and needs.” - Andrew Paterson, CEO of Family Day Care Australia
Family day care is an approved care type, so eligible families can claim the Child Care Subsidy. Some children even stay with the educator they had before starting school, which can make the move to big school a little easier. Our overview of family day care explains how it works.
Should you hire a nanny or share one for after school care?
A nanny can collect your children from school and help with homework in your own home. It's one of the most flexible after school care options, and it's especially handy if you have more than one child or work late.
The trade-off is cost, because you'll usually be paying a nanny's full hourly rate. That's where nanny sharing comes in. Two families split one nanny's hours, either caring for all the children together or taking it in turns, such as one family using the nanny for the morning school run and another for the afternoons.
Can an au pair do before and after school care?
An au pair can do before and after school care, including school runs and homework help. Au pairs live with your family and usually help with childcare and light housework in exchange for board and a weekly allowance.
It suits families with a spare room and a busy schedule, and many kids love the cultural exchange. Au pairs often have less childcare experience than nannies, so think about your children's ages and needs. Our guide to what an au pair does covers the day-to-day, and you can compare the two roles in the difference between a nanny and an au pair. If you're paying an au pair or nanny directly, check your obligations with the Fair Work Ombudsman, including the national minimum wage of $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Can grandparents help with after school care?
Grandparents are one of the most common forms of after school care in Australia, and for many families they're the first call when OSHC falls through. Even a couple of afternoons a week can take a lot of pressure off.
It's worth talking openly about what's realistic. Regular school pick-ups are a big commitment, so agree on which days work and have a back-up for when grandma or grandpa is unwell or away. The role grandparents play in child care is a big one, and a little planning helps keep it enjoyable for everyone.
When does a babysitter make sense for after school care?
A babysitter makes sense when you need after school care on a regular day or two, or as a back-up on the odd afternoon. Many babysitters are uni students or older teens who are happy to do a school pick-up and stay until you get home.
Look for someone with a current Working with Children Check and first aid training, and do a trial afternoon before you rely on them.
Could a pick-up roster with other parents work?
A pick-up roster with other school parents can cover a day or two of after school care at no cost. Each family takes a turn collecting the kids and looking after them until the others finish work.
It works best with a small group of families who live nearby and have similar schedules. Agree on the days and swap allergy information, then have a plan for when someone's sick or running late.
Which after school care options are covered by the Child Care Subsidy?
Only approved care attracts the Child Care Subsidy, which means OSHC, family day care and in home care. Nannies, au pairs, babysitters and grandparents aren't approved services, so you'll pay their costs in full. That can make a big difference to your budget, so it's worth pricing out a few combinations.
How do you choose the right after school care alternative?
The right after school care alternative depends on how many afternoons you need covered and what fits your budget. Many families end up combining two or three options across the week.
- Map out your week. Write down which days you need care, and the start and finish times.
- Price each option. Include the Child Care Subsidy for approved care and remember that informal care is paid in full.
- Check safety. Ask for a current Working with Children Check and references.
- Plan a back-up. Know who you'll call when your usual carer is sick.
- Ask your child. Older kids often have strong views on where they'd like to spend their afternoons.
Our Child Care Compass can help you narrow down the options that suit your family, and you can search for family day care or after school care near you. With a bit of creativity, there's almost always a way to make the afternoons work.
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FAQs
Can you get the Child Care Subsidy for a babysitter in Australia?
The Child Care Subsidy can't be claimed for a babysitter in Australia, because babysitters aren't approved child care services. The subsidy only applies to approved care such as OSHC, family day care and in home care.
Can a family day care educator pick my child up from school?
A family day care educator can pick your child up from school if they offer that service and have room within their ratio. Ask each educator which schools they collect from and how they transport children.
How early should I join an after school care waitlist?
It's best to join an after school care waitlist as soon as you know which school your child will attend, ideally the year before they start. Joining waitlists at a couple of nearby services can improve your chances.
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