Provider in Focus – The After School Klub (TASK)

TASK (The After School Klub) is an outside school hours care (OSHC) provider who provides before and after school care and vacation care for children in over 30 New South Wales schools. 

 

What is the history of TASK? 

 

TASK was formed in 2013 by two Sydney parents — Madi Morrison and Suzanne Tucker — with a simple goal of providing fun, flexible, safe and educational care to help ease the pressure on busy parents, and reduce the long waiting lists for after school care.

 

Ms Morrison has a background in marketing, sales and communications, and has extensive experience as a parent volunteer in school P&C associations, support groups and sporting clubs. 

 

Ms Tucker has extensive experience in business management, IT administration, HR and hospitality. 

 

Where are TASK services located? 

 

TASK currently operates from a number of locations in NSW government, private and Catholic schools. For a complete listing, please see the dropdown menu here. 

 

What is the TASK vision and approach to learning? 

 

The TASK ethos is built on four pillars: fun, flexible, educational and safe. Connection to community is prioritised, with the TASK team committed to supporting schools, children and families through regular donations of time and resources in support of school fundraising initiatives. 

 

Local businesses are invited to be involved in TASK programs, and broader community support is provided through a sponsorship relationship with children’s charity The Smith Family. 

 

In terms of an approach to learning, one aspect of distinction for TASK is its ‘no electronics’ policy (except if homework requires it) and no TV (except in severe weather or for ‘chill-time’ during holiday programs).

 

“Our values underpin our approach to all aspects of service delivery – from communication with families and team members to collaboration and support with schools and the local community, we aim to have fun, be safe, inclusive and grow together,” a spokesperson notes. 

 

Are there any unique aspects to the TASK offer?

 

Yes, there are. 

 

TASK has a team of over 270 permanent part-time, full-time and casual workers, and has a policy of not using agency staff, preferring to have “a large pool who are trained by us and familiar to children and families”.

 

Management of all services is centralised through TASK Central in Petersham.

 

What is their approach to educator professional learning?

 

Professional Development Plans are completed yearly in April for all staff. This enables discussions around required training and wage rates to be delivered annually in July. 

 

TASK provides induction and training to all employees upon employment. Training includes:

 

• information of obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations; 
• TASK policy and procedures; 
• National Quality Framework and other relevant legislative, policy and procedure; and, 
• TASK values, expectations and professional conduct, and roles and responsibilities. 

 

Additional training is provided to educators who agree to take on the role of Responsible Person. 

 

TASK provides formal and informal professional development to all employees through daily briefings, staff meetings, training, mentoring, and coaching. Formal and informal appraisals of employee performance are conducted as needed, and opportunities for additional training, mentoring, and coaching are offered when required.

 

For more information about TASK, see here.