KU Annual Report 2016 | Page 10

CREATING IMPACT Investing in social outcomes In 1895 KU was founded on the principle that vulnerable children often benefit most from high quality early education; a fact now well documented around the world. Today KU remains deeply committed to high quality early education for all children, and re-invests heavily in inclusion programs to provide additional support to vulnerable children and children with additional needs. KU Starting Points Macarthur is one such program in which KU invests. An early intervention and family support program for children with disabilities or developmental delay, the program provides access to specialist educational and support staff, home visits, speech pathology, assessments and referrals, as well as a supportive network of other families with children with similar needs. KU SERVICES ASSESSED THUS FAR KU centres assessed 86 KU centres yet to be assessed 14 % As one KU Starting Points parent explains, the impact of a service like KU Starting Points is immeasurable. “Like most children with disabilities or not, the need to be nurtured, supported and encouraged in life with learning, developmental skills and love is a necessity. Our daughter has been supported by specialists, surgeons, geneticists, doctors, nurses, therapists, early intervention services, family and friends since she was born. Without a doubt, the most rewarding service she and our family have been a part of is KU Starting Points. “Once being referred to KU Starting Points, they worked with us to give our daughter opportunities for social experiences, developing trust in other adults, and enjoying typical play. I didn’t realise how much it would help our whole family to have a supportive network that advocates, understands, listens and encourages us on our journey through the unknown. KU NQS RESULTS 2016 Working Towards 31 % % 121st Annual Report 2016 5 % SECTOR NQS RESULTS 2016 Working Towards