Having just finished its pilot year, the Flexible Education Outreach program transforms how education is delivered to young people who have disconnected from mainstream schooling due to their complex needs, including those in out-of-home care or involved in youth justice.
Designed for students referred through the Tier 3 Case Coordination Panel, the program offers an individualised, trauma-informed education setting for participants. Learning is delivered in community spaces where students feel safe, such as public libraries, cafés and ACT parks. Learning is co-designed with students to reflect their goals and interests, and includes academic, wellbeing, and real-world learning experiences.
Staff collaborate with a range of care teams to ensure each young person is holistically supported in a way that is coordinated, flexible, and ethical. The program supports young people to set and achieve their own educational goals in safe environments so they can build confidence to re-engage with learning.
Flexible Education Outreach advocates for its students to access education in ways that are meaningful to them, as one student describes, “without the pressure and stress of a regular school”. This has shown exceptional outcomes for young people who elsewise might have given up on their future. Prior to engaging in the program, the average school attendance for these young people was about 6%; by the end of the year, all participants had increased their school attendance and identified transition goals. They had engaged in either accredited learning, work experience, or identified their pathways for 2026 and beyond. The Flexible Education Outreach Program has demonstrated innovative approaches to education in ways that re-engaging these students and giving them the best chance to succeed.
