Perspectives & Theories in OSHC

Foucault - Discourse and Power/ Knowledge

Foucault’s ideas about discourse and power/knowledge help OSHC educators notice how language, labels, routines, and “common sense” expectations shape what we see, what we value, and how we respond to children. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn the core concepts in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Foucault” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring reflective practice around language and power, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday practice.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 Mins

Price

$49

About the module

In OSHC, we make dozens of quick decisions every day—about safety, behaviour, fairness, inclusion, and what “counts” as a good program. Foucault’s lens helps educators step back and ask a powerful set of questions:
  • What stories are we telling about children, families, and behaviour?
  • Who benefits from these stories—and who gets constrained by them?
  • What gets treated as ‘normal’, ‘appropriate’, or ‘problem’ in this setting—and why?
  • How do our documents, rules, routines, and supervision practices shape children’s experience?
This is not about blaming educators. It’s about strengthening professional judgement by making the “invisible” visible—so teams can choose language and practices that are more respectful, inclusive, and child-centred.

Understand discourse + power/knowledge

A clear, practical introduction to the key ideas—how language creates “truths” about children and how power operates in everyday routines.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the lens to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring teams to shift language and practice.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works 

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Foucault + what are discourse and power/knowledge?
    A plain-language overview with OSHC examples (labels, expectations, documentation, routines, “rules,” and behaviour narratives).
  • “Let’s hear from Michel Foucault”
    A short creative narrative where “Foucault” speaks to noticing how everyday language and systems shape practice (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the lens
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - check language and labels (e.g., “naughty,” “attention-seeking,” “non-compliant”)
    - shift from deficit stories to strength/need-based interpretations
    - adjust routines that unintentionally create conflict or exclusion
    - document in ways that support learning (not judgement)
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    -how an Educational Leader coaches teams to reflect on language, assumptions, and “default” practices
    -how to handle tricky conversations without defensiveness
    -how to create shared expectations that support children’s dignity and belonging
    -what to do when documentation becomes punitive or overly surveillance-focused
  • OSHC case study: discourse in action
    A realistic scenario where the same child’s behaviour is interpreted in different ways. Learners practise identifying the dominant “story,” noticing power dynamics (rules, space, adult positioning, group norms), and choosing responses that are fair, safe, and child-centred.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge assumptions and re-design a more inclusive, respectful approach.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Notice how language shapes perceptions of children, behaviour, and “belonging”
  • Reduce unhelpful labels and replace them with clearer, more respectful descriptions
  • Identify routines/rules that create unnecessary power struggles—and redesign them
  • Strengthen documentation so it supports learning, fairness, and professional decision-making
  • Build a shared team approach to behaviour and inclusion that protects children’s dignity
  • Mentor reflective conversations that lead to real practice change (not just “better wording”)

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators who want a practical way to think critically about behaviour, fairness, and inclusion
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring teams to strengthen reflective practice and consistent, respectful language
Ready to strengthen everyday practice by changing the stories that shape it?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.