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How Sherpa Kids is tapping into “huge demand”

Sarah Stowe

Sherpa Kids is an out-of-school-hours (OOSH) care business that offers before- and after-school care as well as holiday care. The services are run directly on school properties. Inside Franchise Business: Sherpa Kids on "huge demand".

MD Vicki Prout says there is a “huge demand” for such services.

“Commonwealth reports show that in 2013 there were 100,000 more children in OOSH care (335,000) than in 2004,” she says.

“Aussie mums and dads are desperate for good-quality, affordable OOSH care, so customer growth is not an issue.”

Word of mouth between school principals is significant for Sherpa Kids.

“Volunteer-managed OOSH or outside-school-hours care (OSHC) committees are struggling in the face of regulatory reforms that increase quality expectations but also increase administrative burdens,” says Prout.

“As a result, senior educators are looking for a better way, and OOSH service providers are often an attractive option. Do a good job and solve a headache for a principal, and the word spreads pretty quickly.”

As the model is syllabus-led and offers structured care provided by local communities, franchisees must plan for such running costs as wages, resources and IT platforms.

“The focus is on independent local ownership, backed by central quality control and guidance. Services are provided by the franchisees but delivered by fully trained and qualified staff,” says Prout.

“Activities are highly structured and aligned to complement what the children are being taught in school. “

The initial investment is $35,000, which covers ongoing training, opening support, business, admin and marketing support, set programs and the Child Care Management System software, linked to government rebates.

“Understand the work involved,” says Prout, “and make sure it is something you want to do and would be good at doing. A little bit of passion will go a long way.”

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