READY , SET , PREP !
Ready , Set , Prep ! supports children and their families to have a great start to primary school .
We partnered with 40 + community members , primary schools and early years providers to improve school readiness , family engagement and early learning opportunities in Northern Merri-bek .
We strengthened our collaboration with Melbourne City Mission and Merri-bek City Council and developed new partnerships with Dental Health Services Victoria and Spectrum .
A key focus was training and supporting our 10 Community Champions recruited in 2021 to share reputable information about local services and supports for families .
We provided online and in-person support sessions to families most in need , including families who have children with additional needs .
What did we achieve ?
241 people received online workshops
16 families attended oral health sessions delivered by Community Champions
63 % growth in newsletters subscribers
2,000 people reached per quarter through Community Champion messaging
7 workshops held to review transition processes
32 attendees at each Transition Network Meeting
40 local services changed their enrolment forms to include screening questions ; identifying families who need to attend key health checks
108 services received posters to promote free Maternal and Child Health and Dental Health checks
Where can we improve ?
• funding limitations mean the current model may end this year , so we are making efforts to develop sustainable change and capacity
What ’ s next ?
• 6-year evaluation of Ready , Set , Prep !
• embedding knowledge and changes including Community Champions training and public video resources
• exploring opportunities for the Community Champions model such as peer education
SUPPORTING STUDENTS AT-RISK OF DISENGAGING
Our School Focused Youth Service ( SFYS ) supports students from year 5 to 12 who are attending school but vulnerable to or showing signs of disengaging from their education .
This year we partnered with 14 schools across Merri-bek to link identified students with suitable intervention programs and providers . These included art therapy , bush adventure therapy , Friendship Saver Program and the Chin Up Program .
What did we achieve ?
165 students supported across
14 schools
positive results showed student improvements in :
– emotional regulation skills
– connection with peers , school and wellbeing staff
– the quality of relationships and behaviours of students / children
– mental wellbeing
– interpersonal and communication skills
CHAMPIONING SCHOOL READINESS
Our ‘ Community Champions ’ are 10 local people , who collectively speak six different languages and are passionate about achieving the best life outcomes for children .
They share valuable information about local family services within their communities .
The program has achieved positive results as community value and trust the information . Community Champions have increased their confidence , mental wellbeing and job opportunities .
Key challenges
• COVID-19 lockdowns and remote learning disrupted delivery of five programs . These were rolled over and completed in early 2022
What ’ s next ?
• supporting 222 students , 41 staff and 11 families / carers across 14 schools in FY 22 / 23
• engaging alternative service providers to deliver programs in Merri-bek in response to feedback
MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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