The OSCAR Foundation

The OSCAR Foundation is a national body providing advice and support to the OSCAR sector nationwide.

History
The OSCAR Foundation was established in 1995. There was a need for a national body to provide coordinated advice and support to the OSCAR sector. The OSCAR Foundation was established to ensure all New Zealand children have access to quality, affordable before school, after school and holiday programmes.

Philosophy and Principles
The OSCAR Foundation aims to fulfill our vision of enriching childhood by providing world-class advice and support to OSCAR programmes, government and other stakeholders in the sector.

The OSCAR Foundation recognises and acknowledges

• Te Tiriti O Waitangi as a governing document
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• The principle of diversity of OSCAR services to meet local community needs

Committment
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 OSCAR in the regions

Role
The OSCAR Foundation is involved in the OSCAR sector in many ways:

Advice and Support
Provision of advice and support to OSCAR programmes and communities

Community and Government
Provision of information for Government bodies to enhance the OSCAR sector
Lobbying for recognition and support for OSCAR
Maintaining a national database of OSCAR providers
Administration of Government funding for OSCAR providers on behalf of MSD

Information Collecting and Sharing
Maintaining a library of school age childcare information
Development of written resources
Publishing quarterly newsletters
Publishing quarterly Schools Out! Magazine

Research
Researching issues on OSCAR programmes

Events and Activities
Annual OSCAR Week
National OSCAR Conference
“Go Kids!”, a healthy activity guide for OSCAR programmes
OSCAR In The Park
OSCAR Awards – National and Regional

Professional Development
Assisting with the development of a national qualification for OSCAR workers
Working with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand to maximise uptake of OSCAR Certificate
Provision of regional training workshops and networking events for OSCAR providers
Provision of a National OSCAR Conference

Team
The OSCAR Foundation team is passionate about out of school care and recreation for children. They work tirelessly to ensure children in New Zealand receive the best care and have the best opportunities out of school.

The OSCAR Foundation National Office is in Auckland, New Zealand. Regional OSCAR Advisor's work nationwide and are based in the regions, with key supporting staff based in the National Office.

Values
The OSCAR Foundation team follows these values

• We will behave in a professional manner at all times
• We will have the courage of our convictions
• We will encourage inclusive, active participation by all
• We will act in an environment of trust and good faith
• We will respect each others differences
• We will support our peers at all times
• We will foster an atmosphere of confidence and self esteem
• We will encourage creativity
• We will embrace a sense of belonging an loyalty
• We appreciate that fun is an essential element of our organisation

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