Established in 1995 out of a recognised need for a national body to provide co-ordinated support and advice to the OSCAR (Out of School Care And Recreation) sector, The OSCAR Foundation was established with the aim of ensuring that all New Zealand children have access to quality, affordable after school, before school and holiday programmes.

Over the past twenty plus years traditional family life in New Zealand has changed dramatically. Where the previous generation grew up in a society where most children went home from school to a parent caregiver, today's children are growing up in situations where their parents are still at work when they finish their school day.

This trend towards caregivers juggling family life with paid out of home work is a worldwide trend. The OECD estimates that within a generation, the primary responsibility of raising children will have passed from biological parents to the professional.

The OSCAR Foundation is a national body with regional OSCAR Advisor's providing advice and support throughout the country and a national office based in Auckland.

The OSCAR Foundation's Vision Statement is Enriching Childhood.
The OSCAR Foundation's Mission Statement is To fulfil our vision – Enriching Childhood – by providing world class advice and support to OSCAR programmes, government and other stake holders in the sector.
The OSCAR Foundation recognises and acknowledges Te Tiriti O Waitangi as a governing document to be implemented for the benefit of the Foundation and its members.
The OSCAR Foundation recognises the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the right of all children and young people of Aotearoa/New Zealand to quality care and recreational activities in their out of school time.
The OSCAR Foundation recognises the principle of diversity of OSCAR services, to meet local community needs.

The OSCAR Foundation is committed to
Developing and supporting professional training for the OSCAR sector
Facilitating the provision of funding for the OSCAR sector
Developing nationally recognised quality standards of service provision
Encouraging, supporting and developing regional OSCAR networks


OSCAR Advisors provide advice and support to programmes and communities
Publish national and regional newsletters
Provide information to and consult with local and national government bodies
Develop and supply written resources
Maintain a library of school age childcare information
Maintain a national database of providers
Research issues on out of school care and recreation programmes
Coordinate an annual OSCAR Week (a resource or activities and competitions for providers and supporters of OSCAR)
Lobby for recognition and support for out of school care and recreation
Facilitates the National OSCAR Conference
Work towards developing a national qualifications for OSCAR workers

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