OSHClub Forrestdale earns Exceeding rating for child-centred practice

We’re proud to share that OSHClub Australian Islamic College Forrestdale has reached an important milestone, achieving an Exceeding rating in its first Assessment and Rating visit.

The service was recognised across all 12 exceeding themes, including an Exceeding result in Quality Area 6. This reflects the strong partnerships the team has built with children, families and their school community.

Feedback from the assessment captured what the team has been working so deliberately to create. Children showed a strong sense of belonging, engaging confidently with both peers and educators. Relationships across the service were described as nurturing and respectful, creating a positive environment for every child.

As a new service within a well-established school community, building that sense of belonging was a clear priority from day one. The team focused on building trust as the outside school hours care provider entrusted by the school community.

“From the very beginning, our focus was on building trust with children, families and the school community. We wanted this to feel like their OSHClub, shaped by their voices, their identities and their sense of belonging. To see that recognised means everything to our team.

We are incredibly proud, but also deeply grateful. This achievement reflects not only our team on the ground, but the support, encouragement and shared knowledge from our wider WA network." - Rabiyah Gillam, Coordinator

This approach is visible in daily practice. The program incorporates the Islamic faith in meaningful ways, from prayer routines to culturally responsive experiences and resources. The team works closely with families and the school, so children see their identities reflected in the program.

Child safety has remained central to every aspect of the service. Strong systems, consistent supervision and clear procedures support a safe environment where children’s wellbeing is prioritised.

The Exceeding rating in Quality Area 6 recognises the strength of these partnerships and the intentional way the team works with their community.

Natasha Browne, WA State General Manager, said the result reflects the team’s clear focus from the beginning:

“We are incredibly proud of what the team at Forrestdale has achieved. From the beginning, their focus has been on building trust and creating a space where children and families feel a true sense of belonging. This result recognises the strength of those relationships and the care they bring to their work every day.”

This is an outstanding achievement for the Forrestdale team, and a strong example of what happens when children’s voices, cultural identity and relationships are placed at the centre of practice.