Stepping stones - from caravan park to school

Monday 5 June 2006

Children living in a local caravan park will soon find the transition to school a little easier with the first stage of the University of Newcastle Family Action Centre Stepping Stones project being implemented in early June.

The home-work club is the first part of the innovative new program through the Family Action Centre's Caravan Project which builds on the strengths of a park community by providing home visiting to isolated residents; facilitating social activities for children and adults; providing information and referral to managers residents and service providers; encouraging events that help build a sense of community; and promoting community education.

The Family Action Centre Project co-ordinator Dee Brooks says the program has been developed to support the staff, students and parents involved in the transition. "By encouraging the involvement of other services such as early childhood nurses and early childhood education centres in supporting the children on the park, we can also assist parents to gain new parenting skills. We will also be establishing a homework club, investigating the feasibility of a breakfast club and also supporting the weekly activities already operating through The Caravan Project."

Cooranbong Primary School Principal, Russell Irwin is in full support of the process. "This program has huge potential to provide enormous benefits to our students, their parents and our school. An on-site homework club would facilitate improved learning outcomes and the closer working partnership with our staff will allow parents to be more involved in broader school activities."

The Telstra Foundation has granted $75,000 to support the project over the next two years. Chairman, Herb Elliott AC, MBE, says while most Australian children are given a good start in life, there are many children who are missing out.

"A difficult beginning poses multiple risks for children's health and well being. These risk factors are often cumulative, and negative behavioural and developmental patterns can become entrenched and difficult to change. As a nation, we need to focus on ensuring our children are experiencing healthy and positive developmental opportunities early in their life."

Research has indicated factors that contribute to a poor transition to school for park residents include: high levels of marginalisation and disadvantage amongst park residents; children aged under five not accessing pre-school or other early childhood services; and parents have had to leave school early and/or had poor experiences at school.

"The Telstra Foundation is committed to funding programs that intervene early to provide opportunities for Australian children and young people to reach their potential," said Mr Elliott.

For media comment, contact Kate Reid, Media and Public Relations, on 02 4921 5351