Learning Links is so proud to offer services throughout South Western Sydney and showcase its inclusive approach to supporting children’s learning and development. Schools in this community have a high proportion of students from backgrounds that are culturally and linguistically diverse, some having over 90% of students with a first language other than English. Many students are supported by EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialiect) and community language programs, as well as targeted literacy and numeracy initiatives to ensure they can learn alongside their peers. However, unfortunately there are too many schools that are under-resourced and currently unable to provide the full range of supports their students need to thrive.
Generous funding of almost $300,000 over the past four years from Canley Heights RSL & Sporting Club has enabled Learning Links’ teachers, therapists and psychologists to run a range of fully-funded programs in local South Western Sydney schools – often supporting children whose families would not otherwise be able to access this type of support. Funding has also provided the vital tools and resources our professionals need to identify and support children’s learning, development and wellbeing, now and into the future.
In the coming year, these funded programs – including speech therapy, psychology support, assessments and Counting for Life – will reach more than 180 students, and also build the capacity of parents and teachers, to achieve the best possible outcomes for future learning.
Supporting speech, language and communication
The funding will enable Learning Links’ therapy team to run structured speech and language programs. Our Confident Little Communicators oral language program supports children in years K-2 who are behind with their language development to build their vocabularly and skills around constructing sentences.
Our Links at School – Communication program helps teachers to identify students who need additional support with speech sounds and articulation, phonemic awareness, receptive language (understanding others) and expressive language. Our speech pathologists then work with children in small groups and individually, targeting specific areas of skill development. They also build the capacity of teachers by helping them screen students for speech and language difficulties and by providing practical strategies for the classroom.
Vital assessments for learning and behaviour
For children facing difficulties with their learning or development, an assessment is often the first step in identifying what those difficulties are, as well as the child’s strengths and learning style so the right supports can be put in place. However, many families are unable to afford the cost of an assessment with a psychologist.
Funding from Canley Heights RSL & Sporting Club for assessments in schools will allow teachers to identify up to 25 students in need and remove this financial barrier. This will enable a Learning Links psychologist to conduct a series of cognitive, educational, behaviours or diagnostic and provide tailored recommendations for families so the right supports can start to be put in place at school and at home. This opportunity can be truly life-changing for children.
From one of our school partners:
“Thank you again for supporting our school in getting these assessments completed. It has made a huge difference in increasing our capacity to assess extra students in such a timely manner, and means we have a better chance of getting effective supports in place sooner. Please pass on our gratitude to Canley Heights RSL & Sporting Club who sponsored these assessments. It truly is a gesture that is greatly appreciated and of great significance to many of our students and families.” – Local School Principal
Providing life-changing mental health support
Our Links at School – Psychology program provides vital mental health and wellbeing support to groups or children and individual students in need of more tailored supports – focusing on managing anxiety, behaviour, building friendships, coping with transitions and resilience. With such a strong link between mental health and learning, these programs not only help children feel better about themselves, but it also gives them a better chance to participate in the classroom and learn alongside their peers.
Fostering foundation numeracy skills and confidence
Learning Links’ Counting for Life® program provides targeted support for students in years 2-5 who are struggling with their numeracy. This strutured one-to-one program not only focuses on foundation numeracy skills, but also supports confidence, self-esteem and participation in the classroom.
Learning Links’ mission is to work in partnership with families, schools and communities to provide expertise and evidence-based supports for children’s literacy and numeracy, communication, and wellbeing outcomes. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on funding from generous community, government and philanthropic partners to reach children who would not otherwise be able to access the critical support services that our psychologists, speech therapists and specialist educators provide.
On behalf of the children, schools, parents, and teachers who have and will continue to benefit from these programs, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Canley Heights RSL & Sporting Club for aligning with Leanring Links’ mission and creating a lasting impact in their local community by supporting children to reach their true potential.