Staff Spotlight on Ashleigh

At OSHClub, our focus is nurturing the potential of children in our care across Australia. We also believe in making a lasting positive impact in the communities where we live and work.

We couldn’t do this without our dedicated and passionate staff.

In this Staff Spotlight, we spoke with our OSHClub Mobile Coordinator, Ashleigh Franzi in Victoria. With seven years of experience working in OSHC, we asked Ashleigh to share some insights into what her role is like and what makes working in OSHC so special.

Name: Ashleigh Franzi  
Service name and location: VIC Region 2.1, St Augustine's OSHClub
Role: Mobile Coordinator  
Years with OSHClub (or in the sector): 7 years

Tell us a bit about your journey, what brought you to OSHClub and what keeps you here?

I started at OSHClub back in 2018 at Newport Gardens as an educator. I have had the pleasure to work alongside some amazing staff members, and they taught me so many skills, which inspired me to keep working towards becoming a Coordinator and then moving into the Mobile Coordinator position. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with all the services, families and children.

What does a great day at your job look like?

A great day at OSHClub is filled with fun, laughter, and creating memories. The staff and the children playing together, encouraging each other, building friendships and learning new things.

Can you share a moment or memory that made you feel proud to do this work?

Seeing the children grow into amazing role models inspires me every day. It makes me feel proud to do this work when Coordinators tell me that the children are asking when I’m coming back to visit! It makes me feel special that I’ve made a positive impact in the children’s lives. 

How do you help children feel safe, seen and supported in your service?

Children’s voice is a crucial part of our service programming and routines. All children have the opportunity to share their ideas, thoughts and what they would like to play and learn. This is their space, and with flowing conversations, children’s meetings and incorporating them into the running of the program, it can make it a fun and enjoyable environment.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since working at OSHClub?

I have learnt that being a positive, engaging and safe person for the children to be around, makes a huge difference in their confidence and ability to participate in the program. It’s so important to make them feel valued and heard and encourage their ideas and autonomy. Building their self-esteem by being a good role model is something I bring into my work every day.

What do you think families or the community might not realise about the work you do?

That as a team, we care deeply about each child’s wellbeing and strive to create a safe, supportive environment. We collaborate with one another, we think on our feet, we are in constant communication throughout the session and adjusting things as we go. The children’s safety is our number one priority, and we care about all of them and their development. 

How do you support your team and help create a positive culture at your service?

I support my team by getting to know everyone and by building strong relationships with each team member. Helping services by spending time with children and supporting quality and safety standards - it helps me get to know all the staff around the region and I can be someone they can now rely on for help when they need it.

Do you have a heartwarming story to share about the impact our service has? 

There’s a few experiences that are heart-warming for me. When children write letters and draw pictures for me, when a child tells me how much they enjoy spending time with me, when the families give us positive feedback and compliments and also when the children are excited to come to OSHClub. 

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, your team or experiences? 

Working at OSHClub has been such a rewarding experience. The children, families and staff have made such a positive impact on me. I have so many amazing memories and fun experiences working in all different services.  

Would you like to work with us?

If you’re interested in working in the outside school hours care industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our Junior Adventures Group careers web page and discover all the latest roles available across all our services.