OSCAR Subsidy
If you’re eligible, Work and Income (WINZ) can help with the cost of after-school care through the OSCAR Subsidy. It’s a payment that can contribute towards before/after school care for up to 20 hours a week, and school holiday programmes for up to 50 hours a week.
Eligibility depends on your situation — generally, you’ll need to be the principal caregiver, be a NZ citizen or permanent resident, and be on a low or middle income, and be working, studying, or in another approved situation.
Subsidies are paid directly to the childcare provider, and to have it start from your child’s first day it’s important to apply before care begins (especially for school holidays).
Learn more and check eligibility here: OSCAR Subsidy (Work and Income NZ).
OSCAR APPROVAL
RASCALS is in the process of OSCAR-approval, which means we meet Ministry of Social Development standards for after-school programmes. Our team follows clear safety and supervision protocols every day — including secure sign-in and sign-out, appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and well-planned routines that keep tamariki safe, supported, and included.
We take wellbeing seriously, with strong policies around behaviour, allergies and medical needs, emergency procedures, and safe pick-ups. Parents can feel confident knowing RASCALS is locally run, professionally managed, and grounded in care for our kids and our community.
