Meet Lily Sam, Lead Educator, Out of Schools Hours Care (OSHC) – Lang Lang Primary School

“Out of school hours care is more about interacting and playing with other children or engaging in fun activities as they already have structured learning during school hours.” 

After completing her Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Lily began her career working with children as an educator. After four years of experience in before and after school care, she joined Windermere in August 2022 to take on the role of Lead Educator for the OSHC program at Lang Lang Primary School.

“I just love being around children and seeing them develop in different stages. In my line of work, I get to watch them grow from Prep up to Year 6 and I feel like I’ve been a part of raising them,” she says.

As the Lead Educator, Lily is instrumental in planning and running the program to keep children of different age-groups engaged. She ensures there’s a choice of activities ready, to suit the varying ages and interests.

As the program commences at 6.30am, breakfast is also arranged for those children who haven’t had their first meal for the day.

“During the winter months, some children simply need a little time to orient themselves for school. Once they have had some cereal, warmed up and played with a toy or game of their choice, they gradually have their energy up in time for school,” says Lily.

Making loom bands and playing monopoly and card games are some of the favourites that Lily has in store for older children. The younger children of age five or six enjoy playing with magnetic tiles and group games such as hide and seek.  

“It’s a lot of fun for them. Out of school hours care is more about interacting and playing with other children or engaging in fun activities as they already have structured learning during school hours,” explains Lily. 

The OSHC after-school hours extend until 6.30pm and allow children to unwind as they wait for parents to arrive. Afternoon tea and snacks are also available for children should they require it.

“Sometimes, it’s a popcorn and movie night with bean bags to relax in after a long day,” says Lily. 

Playing dress-up with costumes and take-home teddy bear are some of the recent activities that the children have enjoyed.

Lily runs the OSHC service with the support of a program coordinator and enlists the assistance of another educator when there are a greater number of children in her care. As much as she enjoys the company of children, she looks forward to interacting with the other members of staff at Windermere.

“Running an OSHC service can be an independent role but at Windermere I am able to meet and talk to a wider team during team meetings and know that I have support available when I need it,” she says. 

Another aspect that Lily enjoys about her role is the flexibility it affords. Managing children of different age groups, interests and behaviours can be demanding work but Lily has time in her day for herself.

“That’s one of the benefits of working as an OSHC educator. I have most of the daytime to myself, to relax and unwind or do what I like.”

And what Lily likes to do in her free time is to unwind as she watches her favourite tv shows, indulge in some online retail therapy, and head out to the beach with her partner and her two dogs.

 

To learn more about Windermere’s Out of Schools Hours programs visit here or call 1300 946 337.