Educational outcomes
Addressing the education gaps for young people at risk.
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We care for vulnerable young people
On any given night we house and care for 127 young people aged 7-25 across the Northern Sydney region and Inner West Sydney.
Through our youth programs and services we also directly support 50+ more children, young people, and their families with the aim of preventing youth homelessness. We do this with intervention strategies, including practical and therapeutic support for at-risk young people and their families.
Our youth programs and services
We support children, young people, their families, and the community through intervention strategies to address issues that can lead to homelessness.
This includes family breakdown, education disengagement, mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse.
In this family and youth programs we support families through counselling, family counselling and individualised case management.
They learn how to manage conflict, reduce stress and increase the potential for family reconciliation.
We provide semi-supported, affordable housing for young people aged 17-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
We help them to complete their education, gain employment and build the skills and confidence to live independently and reach their potential.
We provide accommodation, therapeutic care environments, support and individualised case management to meet the needs of each child and young person from 9-17 years under the care of the minister.
Burdekin’s educational inclusion initiative
Our success rate is high!
Over the past year, 89% of children who left Burdekin’s care returned to their families. Of this group, 88% remained enrolled in education.
Our educational inclusion initiative was established to respond to the education disadvantage experienced by children entering our care. This initiative has resulted in 75% of children and young people returning to school or commencing TAFE or other education pathways. A life changing outcome.
The challenges of insufficent schooling
Many of the young people who come to Burdekin did not receive sufficient schooling in their formative years. As a result, they have low literacy, low self esteem, and need to cope with the challenges that caused their situation in the first place, such as family conflict or mental health issues.
When these children and young people attend school, the environment can become hostile or perceived to be hostile, they may become ostracized and/or bullied, partly because of their negative expectations and because they have fallen behind so much.
Burdekin's commitment to education outcomes
Burdekin began addressing the gap in educational outcomes three years ago, by starting an educational inclusion initiative and hiring teachers to work directly with our young people. Over the last three years, we have seen this program grow due to the demand and need.
In 2023, Burdekin was successful in securing very generous funding through the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies Education Grant to boost our Education Program.
We now employ two Education Specialists to support children and young people in our Out-of-Home Care program and disadvantaged (yet engaged) young people in our other youth programs.
Our education specialists provide:
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Timetabled one-on-one teaching/assessment with children and young people (12-18) who previously were disengaged with school for extended periods of time.
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Development of a Homework Plan.
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Development of an At Home Learning Plan.
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Advocacy for the young person to be accepted and enrolled into high school.
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Advocacy and support for the young person at TAFE.
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Engagement, advocacy, and support for three Individual Education Plans for school based meetings.
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Tutors (who are hired and matched with the young people) to assist them with their learning.
The Education Specialists advocate with schools, collaborate with young people and staff, and support children and young people in our care both across the Inner West and Northern Sydney regions.
Recent case studies
(names have been changed.)
Bridget age 13
“Bridget” is a shy and withdrawn young lady who was not engaged at any educational institution. She participated in lessons in literacy, numeracy and other key learning areas at the learning space 5 days per week and expressed that she felt seen, safe, and supported whilst attending.
The teacher advocated for her to receive an individual education plan at her new school and an after-hours tutorship. “Bridget” is now attending school every day and feels supported in all aspects of her education.
Kayla age 16
Prior to engaging in the Learning Space “Kayla” had disengaged from all education. Now she actively participates in lessons at the learning space and her attendance is 100%.
The teacher has assisted “Kayla” in writing her resume and cover letters and she has applied for part time employment. She has also been supported to apply to TAFE as she wants to achieve her RoSA Certificate and has an interview in the coming weeks to commence in semester 2.
Benjamin
"Benjamin's" attendance at the Learning Space increased three fold from 2020 to 2021. It is incredibly rewarding to witness his re-engagement with education, especially considering "Benjamin" had only attended school a handful of times beforehand.
Estelle
Prior to attending the Learning Space "Estelle" was not engaged in any education related activities. She attended 95% of scheduled engagement and did 5 days work experience at a Northern Beaches golf club.
The superintendent there was so impressed that he has offered her an apprenticeship!
Antoinette
Prior to engaging in the Learning Space youth program "Antionette" had disengaged from education. She attended 100% of the time at the Learning Space and has been averaging 99% on all tasks she completes.
For her HSC literacy and numeracy tests she achieved a Band 4, the highest band awarded.
Stronger, better, and more capable – together.
