ECEC Provider in Focus: Jabiru Outside School Hours Care

Jabiru is a local, social for purpose, not-for-profit organisation with over 35 years of history in Queensland, partnering with children, young people, and families by creating safe places and relationships that connect people, resources, ideas, and communities. Its purpose is to support children, young people and families to thrive.

 

One of Jabiru’s offerings is outside school hours care (OSHC) which is provided through Jabiru School-Age Care services in more than 17 schools.

 

What is the history of Jabiru? 

 

Jabiru’s story began in 1985 as a locally-based organisation that provided before, after and vacation care activities for families in Bracken Ridge and Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs.

 

The organisation has since grown to the point where it connects with more than 4,500 families across South East Queensland, providing exceptional community development, social, emotional and practical support programs for children, young people and families.

 

As well as OSHC services Jabiru engages with a range of educational based communities, including delivering student support services, employment and training programs and running its own independent school – Jabiru Community College.

 

What is the Jabiru vision and approach to learning? 

 

Jabiru aims to be a leading provider of school-age and well-being services that support growth and connection. 

 

The organisation has developed a five-year strategic plan to reflect its ‘social-for purpose’ heart and future direction.

 

Over the next five years, strategic focuses will be on:

 

• Developing services to create social impact outcomes
• Continuing its drive to be recognised as a leading provider of school-age care and health and wellbeing services
• Having capable, passionate and engaged people
• Continuing to improve quality

 

Are there any unique aspects to the Jabiru offer? 

 

In the OSHC space Jabiru has created Communities 4 Kids (C4K) a comprehensive program which recognises that for a child, all of life is learning, and that play is vital for the healthy development of mind and body. 

 

C4K offers an organised program of activities and games that helps children to learn about enjoying the richness of life through fun, creativity, silliness, cooperation, leadership, stories, music, art and colour, curiosity, communication, self-organising, group participation and much much more.

 

Learn more about Jabiru here.