Loose Parts with Susan Cooper from Genesis Christian College OSHC

Susan Cooper is the Director of the Genesis Christian College Outside School Hours Care service.

Before devoting herself to the Outside School Hours Care sector, Susan began her journey in Australia after immigrating in 2004 with her partner and 3 young children.

Susan has worked in various fields across the childcare sector over the last 15 years’ from home day care, long day care and now Outside School Hours Care and found a great passion in working with children. Susan joined the OSHC sector in 2016, taking the role as Co-ordinator and then further progressing to Director in 2018.

Susan’s greatest achievement has been successfully supporting and leading a large team in achieving an exceeding rating in all 7 quality areas, overcoming many barriers along the way. 

Susan is passionate about environments and is a strong advocate for children’s right to play. Her vision is for the great outdoors and natural settings. 

Inspired by the QCAN Action Research in 2018, she became enthused and excited by the play work philosophy. For over 16 months Susan was driven by this and has successfully implemented the Loose Parts Playwork philosophy into their program. They have formed close partnership with the College and Playwork has definitely been the key element. 

Some of our Goals at Genesis is to “create environments where risk taking is encouraged, supporting children in making new discoveries and explorations of the world around them”.

“Value children’s rights to an opinion and to be included with equity and dignity in our programs”.

It is my hope to be able to support other services along their journey and inspire others.