Education Support for Children in Care

The Education Support for Children in Care (ESCC) Program provides tuition and specialist education support to children and young people aged five – 18 years living in kinship, foster, residential care and lead tenant in Outer Eastern Melbourne in the LGAs of Yarra Ranges, Maroondah and Knox.

Education support for children in care

The Education Support for Children in Care program provides specialised educational support for children and young people living in Care Services who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from school. The Education Support for Children in Care program aims to improve school engagement and learning outcomes by offering individualised tutoring and mentoring.

The Education Support for Children in Care program employs qualified teachers to work one-on-one with children and young people, helping to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills, boost confidence, and develop positive learning habits.

A Collaborative Approach to Education

Recognising that education is influenced by multiple factors, the Education Support for Children in Care program works closely with:

• Children and young people to identify their learning needs and goals
• Carers to support learning at home and encourage school engagement
• Schools to align tutoring with classroom learning and ensure consistency in support
• Care teams and other professionals to address barriers to education and promote wellbeing.

By working together, we ensure that each child receives the support they need to re-engage with school and build the skills for future success.

Eligibility Criteria

• School aged children or young people (including five – 18-year-olds)

• Living in kinship, foster, residential care and lead tenant care

• Living or enrolled in Outer Eastern Melbourne in the LGAs of Yarra Ranges, Maroondah and Knox

• Disengaged or at risk of disengagement from school.

Program support

The program offers the following supports:

• Supporting student's learning needs and goals to support further education, training or vocational pathways 
• High quality teaching instruction and 1:1 assertive outreach
• Individualised learning support, advocacy and intensive education case management  
• Up to 12 months of support to help students re-engage with school and develop long-term learning strategies.

Program outcomes

• Improved educational engagement – Increased school attendance and participation in learning activities
• Enhanced literacy and numeracy skills – Strengthening core academic abilities to support long-term success
• Greater confidence and wellbeing – Building self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning
• Stronger collaboration between stakeholders – Ensuring schools, carers, and care teams work together to support the child’s education.

How to access this service

Referral to the Education Support for Children in Care Program can be made by a range of organisations involved with the child or young person including the child or young person, carer/s, case manager, school, placement agency, Health and Education Assessment Coordinators and care team members.

To enquire about the Education Support for Children in Care program or make a referral, please contact our at team:
Referrals.ESCCEast@mackillop.org.au
03 85134200

At MacKillop Family Services, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in education. If you know a child who could benefit from this program, please get in touch today.