Out of School Care And Recreation (OSCAR) Programmes can choose to become 'Approved' by seeking approval from Child, Youth and Family. 'OSCAR' is a generic term that refers both to the sector as a whole and the programmes that make up the sector. In gaining approval programmes become 'CYF Approved' OSCAR programmes' .

'OSCAR Approved' is an incorrect term, OSCAR does not stand for any form of licensing or accreditation.

Child, Youth and Family (CYF) is the Government agency with a statutory duty to safeguard the welfare of children and young people. They are the government agency responsible for approving OSCAR programmes. To find out more about CYF Approval visit their website at http://www.cyf.govt.nz/ or download the standards  Work & Income will also have a list of CYF Approved programmes, once a programme is approved their details are forwarded to Work & Income so parents can access the OSCAR subsidy.

OSCAR Fee Subsidy is a payment made by the Department of Work and Income to assist parents with fee payments when their children are attending CYF Approved OSCAR programmes. Parents have to meet eligibility requirements based on employment status and income. The subsidy is paid directly to the OSCAR programme and is based on children's weekly attendance, you can find out how much the subsidy is at:
 http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/a-z-benefits/out-of-school-care-and-recreation-oscar-subsidy.html