We don’t often talk about gender in OSHC and there are probably many reasons why. Gender and childhood is a sensitive and political topic in Australia that is often silenced. It can be tricky for educators to address when there are diverse and contradictory community attitudes. Regardless of the sensitive nature of the topic, gender is a vital consideration in all our practices. Encounters with gender norms and stereotypes have implications for wellbeing and equity during childhood and adulthood.

It can be easy to sidestep gender in our practices if we see OSHC simply as a place where kids ‘just’ play. However, we underestimate OSHC and its role in children’s lives if we see it as ‘just’ play. Research shows that children understand and engage with gender norms in their play from as young as 3 years old.

This session will look at gender from a range of perspectives including:

· Contemporary research about why it is important to address gender in our practices.

· Considering what gender might look like in children’s play, and the implications.

· Rethinking how you address gender in planning and all other practices.

· Links to useful resources to help you make a start.

This session aims to lift the silence around childhood and gender and prompt consideration how we can provide OSHC spaces where children feel safe, welcome, and able to explore diverse play and leisure experiences.

The presenter:

Dr Bruce Hurst has worked in and with Outside School Hours Care services for over 30 years in a range of roles including educator, coordinator and consultant. Bruce is currently working as a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Griffith University with a specific interest in OSHC. Bruce was inspired to build a career in OSHC research by Associate Professor Jennifer Cartmel, who he now proudly supports on a range of research projects. Bruce's first and lingering research passion is seeking children’s perspectives on OSHC settings.