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OUR STORY
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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
Growing with our communities since 1998
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ABOUT US
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“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 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!
ADRIENNE DENNEY
OPERATIONS coordinator
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.
megatron (MEG)
THE BOSS
Meet Megatron, the real boss around KAS Head Office!
Meg is our official welcoming committee, chief snack approver, professional cuddle provider and all round office personality. No two days are ever the same for Meg. One minute she is greeting visitors with a wagging tail and the next she is out in the paddock proving she is much tougher than she looks by chasing rabbits.
Whether she is boosting team morale, keeping everyone company or making sure nobody eats lunch alone, Meg brings plenty of smiles to Head Office every day.
Life at KAS would not be the same without her!
kim angle
business development
Hi, I’m Kim & I have been part of KAS since early 2025 — what a ride it’s been! After years in sales (and way too much time stuck on the motorway), I decided it was time to shake things up… & I haven’t looked back since.
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!
As BDM, I get to work alongside our incredible schools, help shape our programmes, champion the KAS brand & cheer on our amazing team as we create days that are fun, engaging & just a little bit magical.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my awesome family, being “GG” to my grandkids, walking a beach somewhere or catching up with friends.
Life is good!
trish le prou
training & operations support
casey alexander
activity planner
For the past 12 years, I have been part of the Kids After School family, progressing from Centre Manager roles at Waiuku and Karaka to my current position as Planner. I am passionate about creating positive experiences for children and supporting programmes that help them thrive.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me planning my next travel adventure, supporting local netball and theatre or spending quality time with my two favourite little companions— my 4 year old grandson and my 4 year old grand puppy. I love being involved in my community and making the most of every opportunity to connect, create and explore
After 17 years in Out of School care industry I am excited to share my knowledge and passions for our KAS children with our fantastic team, supporting them on their journey with children.
Working with children is a fun and exciting journey with no 2 days the same. Seeing children grow, have fun and develop friendships, try new activities and games within our programmes is an unbelievable reward to witness.
I have 2 beautiful adult daughters and my little fur baby along with being a keen gardener keeps me busy in my daily life.
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