What options are there for after-school care?
My daughter’s 12 and I’ve been told she’s not allowed to be at home by herself. Is this true?
I have to work while my child’s on holiday. Where can I find out about holiday programmes?
Are there any free options?
How do I find out when school holidays are?
What options are there for after-school care?
If your child is under the age of 14 and you can’t look after them when they finish school, you have to arrange childcare for them. You can either find someone you know and trust to look after them or enrol them in an after school care programme.
Many schools provide before and after-school care programmes for their pupils; the charges vary. If your child is between 5 and 13, you may be able to get an Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) subsidy. For more information on childcare subsidies, see our information on Family Assistance.
My daughter’s 12 and I’ve been told she’s not allowed to be at home by herself. Is this true?
In New Zealand it is illegal to leave children under 14 on their own without taking reasonable steps for their care and supervision. As a parent you have to make sure your child is safe. The law defines ‘reasonable steps’ based on the child’s age, situation and how long they’re left alone for.
Sometimes it is tempting for parents to leave their children in the car- especially if a baby is asleep- while they do shopping, or run errands, but this can be very dangerous. Cars can heat up very quickly, and babies soon become distressed.
It’s also important to know that a babysitter has to be at least 14 years old.
Some helpful tips for when to leave your child alone are on the New Zealand Families website.
I have to work while my child’s on holiday. Where can I find out about holiday programmes? Are there any free options?
There are a number of different holiday programmes available. Most schools run holiday programmes, and if they don’t they will know of one nearby. You could contact your school to find out, and also check the school notices or newsletters your children bring home with them. If your son or daughter already goes to an after-school programme, check to see if they offer a holiday programme as well.
Community organisations and church groups often run holiday programmes as well, so this might be an alternative option. Your local CAB will have information about holiday programmes in your area.
The cost of holiday programmes depends on the programme activities, the length of the programme, and who provides it. Normally holiday programmes cost around $25 - $35 a day. If you can’t afford it, you might be eligible to apply for an OSCAR subsidy- this depends on your household income, your child’s age and whether the service provider is an OSCAR-approved one. For more information on OSCAR subsidies, see our section on Family Assistance.
How do I find out when school holidays are?
School holidays vary from school to school. There will generally be four school holidays a year, one between each of the four school terms:
- around Easter,
- around June/July
- around late September
- the Christmas holiday, which starts in December and ends about February of the following year
The Ministry of Education provides the rough dates for start and finish of school holidays each year on their website. You can contact your child’s school for specific details about when their holidays start and finish.