Running an after-school or vacation care program in Australia is about creating a fun, engaging and safe environment for kids.

Whether it’s a lively afternoon of arts and crafts or an action-packed holiday camp, these programs are essential for the kids left in your care and for their busy parents as well. 

But operating these programs comes with unique risks that require tailored insurance solutions. 

Dive in with us to know more!

Why After-School and Vacation Care Programs Can’t Skip Insurance

After-school and vacation care programs, often called Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), cater to primary school-aged kids, offering activities like sports, STEM projects or creative play. 

These programs are fantastic for fostering growth and keeping kids entertained, but they also involve unique challenges. 

From supervising energetic children to managing off-site excursions, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to protecting your business, staff and the kids in your care.

Insurance for these programs isn’t just a checklist to complete; it’s a critical part of ensuring your operation runs smoothly. 

Without the right coverage, an unexpected incident could lead to costly claims, reputational damage or even closure. 

Key Differences in Insurance for After-School and Vacation Care Programs

Unlike standard Business insurance, coverage for after-school and vacation care programs is designed to address the specific risks of working with children in dynamic, activity-based settings. 

Here’s what makes it unique:

1. Child-Specific Liability Coverage

Working with kids means you need solid Public Liability Insurance tailored to their safety. 

This covers injuries to children or damage to their property during activities. 

For example, if a child trips during a game or damages a borrowed tablet, your policy can cover medical costs or repairs. 

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Education, OSHC services must comply with strict safety regulations under the National Quality Framework (NQF), making this coverage non-negotiable.

2. Excursion and Activity Risks

Vacation care programs often include off-site trips, such as visits to museums or adventure parks. 

These excursions introduce additional risks, say, accidents during transport or injuries at external venues. 

Insurance policies for these programs often include specific clauses for off-site activities, ensuring you’re covered no matter where the fun happens. 

Also, risk assessments and documentation for such activities are still necessary, and your insurance policy should complement these. 

3. Higher Duty of Care

OSHC providers are held to a higher standard of care because they’re responsible for children. 

Professional Indemnity Insurance is often recommended to cover claims of negligence (e.g., failing to supervise a child adequately).

This is especially important given the need for safe, supervised environments.

4. Staff and Volunteer Coverage

Many programs rely on a mix of qualified educators and volunteers. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is essential for paid staff, covering injuries they might sustain on the job. 

For volunteers, you may need additional coverage, as they’re not always included in standard policies. 

In addition, having dedicated staff with proper training is important, which underscores the need for comprehensive staff-related insurance.

5. Inclusion and Special Needs Considerations

Programs must accommodate children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities. 

The Inclusion Support Program, funded by the Australian Government, helps providers create inclusive environments. 

However, you’ll also need insurance to cover potential incidents involving children with additional needs, such as tailored medical or behavioural support.

6. Flexible Fee Structures and Subsidy Impacts

Many OSHC services benefit from the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), reducing fees for eligible families although this can affect your cash flow and insurance needs, especially if you’re managing fluctuating enrolments. 

Policies should account for business interruption or financial loss due to changes in attendance. 

Recent Updates in Australia’s OSHC Insurance Landscape

The insurance landscape for after-school and vacation care programs is always evolving. 

Here are some recent developments to keep in mind:

• Increased Regulatory Scrutiny: The National Quality Framework (NQF) has tightened requirements for OSHC providers, with a focus on safety and inclusion.
  
  This means insurers are updating policies to ensure compliance with the latest standards.
  
  For example, providers must now demonstrate robust risk management practices, which an insurance broker can help align with your policy.
  
  
• Rising Costs and Fee Adjustments: The rising cost of living and inflation led to fee increases for OSHC services.
  
  This can impact your insurance premiums as higher operational costs often translate to higher coverage needs.
  
  
• Focus on Inclusion: With programs, such as the Inclusion Support Program, gaining traction, insurers are offering more tailored options for covering children with disabilities or additional needs.
  
  This includes coverage for specialised equipment or extra staff, as outlined by Inclusion Agencies.
  
  
• NDIS Changes Affecting Providers: Recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have resulted in funding constraints for some providers.
  
  This highlights the importance of having flexible insurance that can adapt to shifts in funding or program structure.

What to Consider when Choosing the Right Insurance

Here at Tank Insurance, our job is to find you a policy that fits your program’s unique needs. 

Here’s what we recommend when selecting coverage:

Every program is different.

Do you run high-energy sports activities or quiet homework clubs? Are you taking kids on excursions?

If you’re unsure, we can help you map out your risks to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Make sure your policy meets NQF and Family Assistance Law requirements.

This includes coverage for CCS obligations and safety standards.
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Not all insurers understand the OSHC space.

That’s why, as an insurance broker, we can assist you in getting competitive rates and comprehensive coverage from trusted insurers who specialise in childcare and education.
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If you’re expanding, like OSHClub’s push to partner with more schools, your insurance needs will evolve.

We can be your guide in adjusting your policy to match your growth.
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With regulations and costs changing, regular policy reviews are a must.

As a broker, we can keep you informed about new requirements or opportunities to optimise your coverage.

Why Work with an Insurance Broker?

Finding a suitable insurance for after-school and vacation care programs can feel overwhelming. 

That’s where insurance brokers matter. 

Brokers can lend you a hand so you can find the best policies for your risks and needs. 

Insurance brokers can also explain your options in plain English for better understanding, negotiate with insurers on your behalf and ensure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need. 

Whether you’re a small provider or a growing network, brokers can help you every step of the way.

Get Your Program Covered Today

Running an after-school or vacation care program can be rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities. 

The right insurance can give you the confidence to focus on creating memorable experiences for kids while helping busy parents at the same time. 

By addressing the unique risks of OSHC, be it child safety, excursions or staff coverage, you can protect your business and the families you serve.

Get the right insurance for your program now! Reach out to us at Tank Insurance and let’s find a policy that works for you.