For working parents in Healesville and the Yarra Valley, the school bell is only part of the daily puzzle. What happens before school starts at 9am and after it ends at 3:30pm? For many families, quality Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is the missing piece.
Loving Start Childcare & Education at 349–353 Maroondah Hwy offers both Before School Care and After School Care in Healesville, each at $30 per session — providing safe, engaging, professionally supervised care for school-aged children outside of school hours.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)?
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) — sometimes called Before and After School Care — is an approved childcare service that provides structured care and activities for primary school-aged children before and after the regular school day.
In Australia, OSHC services are regulated under the same National Quality Framework (NQF) as Long Day Care centres. This means they must meet the same standards around safety, educator qualifications, programming, and family communication.
OSHC services are also approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), meaning eligible families can significantly reduce the cost of each session. With the 2026 3 Day Guarantee, CCS now applies to OSHC sessions for all eligible families, regardless of work or study hours.
Before School Care in Healesville
What It Is
Before School Care operates from 6:30am (when Loving Start opens) until children depart for school in the morning. It bridges the gap between when parents need to leave for work and when the school day begins.
What Happens at Before School Care
Before School Care at Loving Start is more than supervised waiting. Our qualified educators plan engaging activities and create a calm, nurturing morning environment. A typical Before School Care session includes:
- A nutritious breakfast — fuel for a full day of learning
- Quiet reading and craft activities to ease children into the day gently
- Outdoor play in our safe, purpose-built outdoor spaces
- Free choice play allowing children to follow their interests
- Active games for children who need to move in the morning
- A consistent morning routine that helps children feel settled and prepared for school
Who Is It For?
Before School Care at Loving Start is available to primary school-aged children in Healesville and surrounds. Children attending Healesville Primary School and other local primary schools in the area are welcome.
Families can book on a regular basis (set days each week) or on a casual basis subject to availability.
After School Care in Healesville
What It Is
After School Care operates from school pick-up time (approximately 3:30pm) until Loving Start closes at 6:30pm. It provides a safe, supervised, and engaging environment for children after school finishes.
What Happens at After School Care
The best After School Care programs understand that children need a decompression period after the cognitive demands of the school day. At Loving Start, we create an environment that balances rest, fun, and purposeful activity:
- A substantial afternoon snack — growing children are hungry after school!
- Homework club — a quiet space for children who want to complete school work with support
- Arts and crafts projects — creative activities that are genuinely engaging, not just time-filling
- Active outdoor play — sports, games, and physical activity in our outdoor space
- STEM and building activities — construction, coding, science experiments
- Social, free-choice play — children choose their own activities and connect with friends
- Relaxation time — books, board games, and quiet corners for children who need to unwind
Our Educators
All Loving Start OSHC sessions are supervised by qualified educators who hold Working With Children Checks and hold or are working toward qualifications in early childhood or school-age care. Our team is experienced in understanding the social and emotional needs of school-aged children, including managing peer relationships and supporting children with additional needs.
Fees: Before and After School Care in Healesville
| Session | Hours | Full Fee | After CCS (estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before School Care | 6:30am to school start | $30 | From ~$3–$12/session* |
| After School Care | School end to 6:30pm | $30 | From ~$3–$12/session* |
*Estimated out-of-pocket cost based on 90% CCS for families earning under $85,279. Your actual subsidy will vary based on income and subsidised hours. Use the Services Australia calculator for a personalised estimate.*
Compared to other OSHC providers in the area, Loving Start's $30 per session pricing is designed to be accessible for Healesville families.
How to Enrol in OSHC at Loving Start
Enrolling in Before or After School Care at Loving Start is straightforward:
- Contact us to discuss availability and your family's needs
- Complete the enrolment forms — we will provide these on request
- Set up your CCS through your myGov/Centrelink account if you haven't already
- Choose your sessions — regular weekly or casual bookings are available
- Drop in — we'll ensure your child is warmly welcomed and settled into our OSHC community
Why School-Age Children Benefit From Quality OSHC
The quality of OSHC matters more than many parents realise. Research published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that children in quality OSHC programs show stronger social development, better relationships with peers, and higher wellbeing scores than those in unsupervised or low-quality after-school care.
Quality OSHC is not just "babysitting between school and home." It is an opportunity for children to:
- Build friendships across year levels
- Develop independence and self-regulation
- Engage in creative and physical activities not always available during the school day
- Have a genuinely fun, social experience in a safe environment
- Receive nourishing food and rest in a caring environment
Frequently Asked Questions About OSHC in Healesville
Q: Which schools does Loving Start's OSHC cater to?
A: Loving Start's OSHC program is open to primary school-aged children from Healesville and surrounding areas. Contact us to discuss transport arrangements and confirm whether your child's school is currently serviced.
Q: Can I book OSHC on a casual basis?
A: Yes, subject to availability. We offer both regular weekly bookings and casual sessions. Contact us in advance to check availability for casual days.
Q: Is Before and After School Care covered by the Child Care Subsidy?
A: Yes. Loving Start is an approved CCS provider and OSHC sessions are eligible for the subsidy. The 2026 3 Day Guarantee means all eligible families receive at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight across all approved care types.
Q: What if my child has dietary requirements or allergies?
A: We accommodate all dietary requirements and allergies. Please advise us at enrolment, and we will ensure our kitchen team and educators are fully briefed. Children with anaphylaxis or severe allergies will need to provide a current Medical Action Plan.
Q: What if my child is running late or school finishes at a different time?
A: Contact us directly and we will make arrangements. Communication is key — our team is flexible and responsive to the realities of family life.
Book Your Child's Place Today
Quality Before and After School Care in Healesville shouldn't be hard to find. At Loving Start, we are proud to offer professional, warm, and genuinely engaging OSHC sessions for families in the Healesville community.
Enquire about availability and enrolment today:
- Call us: 03 5905 3735
- Email: Healesville@Lovingstart.com.au
- Visit: 349–353 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777