OUR STORY
Kids After School began in 1998 when a local parent recognised the need for better after school care in the community.
In 2005, Carolyn Payne took ownership and has since grown the business into a trusted provider across South Auckland and Franklin.
From humble beginnings to where we are today, KAS proudly operates from our Head Office in Mauku, across 14 locations, continuing our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for local families.
Carolyn Payne
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Growing with our communities since 1998
ABOUT US
“The Art of Teaching is the Art of Assisting Discovery”
We are more than just childcare — we are a home away from home!
Kids After School creates a supportive bridge between school and home, where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to explore.
We take the time to get to know every child individually. Our team understands when a child needs encouragement, support or simply a listening ear because to us, no child is “just a number.”
✔ MSD Social Sector Level 3 Accredited
✔ Experienced, carefully selected staff
✔ Ongoing investment in staff development to strengthen our KAS team
✔ Strong relationships with local schools and families
✔ Focus on confidence, wellbeing and positive experiences
✔ Our owner, Carolyn Payne is a member of the OSCN Board
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Our Holiday Programmes are supported by the Ministry of Social Development Funding.
Why families choose us
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Safe, structured and caring environment
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Reliable school pick-ups and supervision
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Engaging activities for all age groups
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Trusted local provider since 1998
OUR PEOPLE
CAROLYN PAYNE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Kids After School has been my passion since 2005 – from small beginnings to operating multiple OSCAR programmes across South Auckland. With a strong focus on quality, compliance, staff development and child wellbeing, I am committed to strengthening the out-of-school care sector and supporting positive outcomes for children and families. I have loved working within the communities we are part of with the children and their families and our wonderful caring, KAS teams.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my five adult children, their partners and my precious granddaughter.
MICHELLE MILLER
OPERATIONS Manager
I love the variety in my role, I get to work with an amazing team of people who are passionate about providing the most nurturing and safe environment for our precious children. Visiting our programmes and seeing the kids laughing and having fun is the best part of my day, I also love hearing what they have to say – some of it is very amusing!
LEEANNE bREARLEY
PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
I have one adult child who eats me out of house and home 😊. Working with children is my passion and I have published a children’s book. In my spare time I like to write, spend time with family and friends, travelling and I’m always keen to try something new (unless it has to do with heights).
kim angle
business development manager
Hi - my name is Kim & I have been part of the Kids After School team since the beginning of 2025. What an adventure it has been! After years in sales (and far too many hours sitting on the motorway), it was time for a change… & what a great decision that has turned out to be.
These days, my mornings might begin in a meeting with a Principal but by the afternoon I could be playing marbles, jumping rope or being thoroughly hustled in a game by some of our amazing KAS kids. I absolutely love it!
In my role as Business Development Manager, I work closely with the wonderful schools in our region, help shape our programmes & support our amazing team in creating experiences that are fun, engaging & just a little bit magical every day.
If there is ever anything I can help with, please feel free to reach out. I am always up for a chat & would love to connect!
adrienne denney
TRAINING & ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT
Hi - I am Adrienne!
Recently relocated to Auckland from the Bay of Plenty with a strong background in leading successful OSCAR programmes & building positive environments for both children & staff. I’m excited to now be part of the team at KAS & continue doing work I’m genuinely passionate about.
Working in a child-focused industry has always felt like the right path for me. I love being part of the crucial developmental years children experience in our programmes — watching their confidence grow, friendships form & new skills develop every day is incredibly rewarding.
ROSANNE MARTIN
ADMINISTRATOR
I am a proud Mum and Nana. I love spending time with my family, interior design and time with my hubby and dog (Cooper).
OUR VALUES
We care about the kids!
We provide a safe, caring and fun place for the kids to be while their parents/caregivers are working. Our service is aimed to take the stress away for families, so they have confidence and reassurance that while they are at work, their children are being well cared for.
We have six key values that we enrich with our staff and kids:
Belonging
everyone feels like they are a member of the KAS family by being happy and comfortable, having great relationships within the programme, and feeling good about themselves.
Quality
to provide a high-quality programme with interesting and stimulating activities and services to enhance children’s experiences with KAS and enrich their world.
Nurture
to make dedicated time for children and offer a place where they feel loved and safe and where emotional and physical needs are met.
Trust
to provide an environment where children can be their best selves, build strong relationships and show a sincere interest in children, their families and each other’s lives.
Respect
having a due regard for the feelings, wishes and belongings of the complete KAS family Being polite and kind in all our interactions every day.
Responsibility
to ensure KAS philosophies and practices are woven into the core of our daily interactions with children, encouraging independence and self-belief.
'To me there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter.'
P.T. Barnum