Program Information
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre comprises three separate programmes that run collaboratively to address the needs of the whole child. Education, Case Management and Residential support are strategically delivered to address the educational, social, emotional and physical needs of the student in a safe supportive environment.
Education Program
This program is delivered by two teachers employed for their specific areas of expertise and commitment to disadvantaged young people. Students are provided with an alternative education program up to and inclusive of School Certificate. Individual Educational Programs with learning scaffolded, ensure that all students’ individual needs are targeted. The schools time table is arranged in a way that ensures that indicative hours of study are covered for all Key Learning Areas. The program is developed in such a manner that the individual learning needs of all students are addressed through the practical application of the units of work covered. Innovative teaching strategies ensure that students are able to engage in learning and gain a practical understanding of the work covered. Within a small school setting teachers are able to individually address the academic, physical and emotional needs of the students with individualised support provided through the school Case work team, volunteer support staff and program structures
On arrival our students generally have never received any awards or recognition for their positive efforts, at Margaret Jurd Learning Centre this changes as there positive choices and efforts are recognized through a variety of measures. Our aim is to move from external reinforcement to internal. The reward of a certificate or a pen is lovely in the beginning but the students soon move to desire the reward of confidence in learning as they increase in knowledge and skill. Assessments within the school are geared at assessing against self i.e. recognising improvement within the students own academic journey. This is essential to avert from any competitive structure that can have a negative impact on students’ already low self esteem. All assessment strategies utilized within the education program are in line with course descriptors as outlined in Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Case Management
All students at Margaret Jurd Learning Centre are provided with case management through our two qualified Adolescent Support Workers. Case Management enables young people to set their goals and take practical steps toward achieving them. Students learn how to look toward their future and strategically understand the impact their choices and behaviour have on life outcomes. Case management also provides valuable emotional care and support as students work though the issues that culminate in adverse behaviours. Case management also provides strong links with specialist support services through collaborative partnerships and referral.
Residential Program
As already mentioned the students at Margaret Jurd Learning Centre come from a variety of backgrounds and situations. For this reason Margaret Jurd Learning Centre provides safe supportive accommodation for students who are unable to reside at home or who would be unable to access the centre from home due to isolation. Margaret Jurd Learning Centre provides up to 5 residential placements. Respite support provides early intervention and support to families who are finding their child’s behaviours difficult to maintain at home.
Students in the residential program are provided with a living skills program to ensure that they acquire the skills necessary for independent living. Areas covered include cooking, cleaning, budgeting, personal hygiene, tenancy rights and responsibilities etc.
Residents are provided with recreational options via low cost outings two evening per week and are supported in accessing local sporting and recreational activities of their personal interest.
The premises of Margaret Jurd Learning Centre have on-site residential facilities to accommodate up to 5 students Monday thru Friday. The residential program is staffed by 2 experienced youth workers who share the shift load and deliver programs to assist with the development of living skills vital for independent living. Residential support is inclusive of the provision of meals, safe living environment, emotional support and recreational activities. Residents also develop communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills as they learn to cohabitate with others.
The building is fitted with photoelectric smoke detectors and a motion sensor burglar alarm which are monitored by an external security provider. Alarms are also in place between the two floors so as to allow staff to monitor movement of residents throughout the night. Monitored duress alarms are worn by staff for the safety and protection of both residents and staff. Fire safety equipment is checked, maintained and certified as in working order 6 monthly.
The Centres staff: student ratio of 1:3.5 minimum is maintained until 8.30pm when chores and activities have been completed. The night shift is conducted by 1 staff person on a sleepover shift. The alarm speaker is located in the staff bedroom to alert staff around the clock of movement within the unit. There is also a caseworker on-call throughout the night to provide backup support when needed.
Eligibility Criteria
Education Programme
- Aged 13 -16 years (must be completed year 10 by 18 years of age)
- Stage 5 of High School (years 9 and 10)
- Unable to maintain Mainstream education
- Physical or Mental Health Diagnosis e.g. Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Mood disorder, hearing impaired, Dyslexia etc. supported by Doctor or Clinical Psychologist report.
Residential Programme
- Enrolment in the Margaret Jurd Learning Centre educational Programme
- Inability to reside within the family home due to unreasonable conditions
- Inability to reside in the family home due to challenging behaviours
- Geographical isolation from the school
- Family need for respite support
Child Protection
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre maintains legal requirements for the care and protection of young people in our care under the Commission for Children and Young Peoples Act 1998, The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998. Interagency Guidelines pertaining to the legislative requirements of staff relating to child protection are available in the form of NSW Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention 2000 edition. These guidelines combine all child protection legislation and form a working guide for staff working with children and young people. All staff at Margaret Jurd Learning Centre are required to maintain a working knowledge of the legislation and an understanding of the legislation in practice. Breaches of child protection legislation and negligence to act in accordance with legislation will lead to immediate dismissal and the matter will be reported to The Ombudsman under section 25G of The Ombudsman Act 1974 Number 68
Under these legislative acts all staff at Margaret Jurd Learning Centre are legally bound to uphold the following requirements as part of their employment.
- Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection Act) 1998 staff must report to the Department of Community Services if they believe that a child or young person is at risk of harm. That is if there are current concerns for the safety, welfare or wellbeing of the child or young person.
Risk of harm is to be reported in writing to the Department of Community Services Child Protection Unit
Any reports of abuse or neglect are treated in an objective manner by all staff. DoCS are
Notified in writing immediately via the child protection report line fax: (02) 96337666. Staff are not to investigate the allegations at all nor make a decision on the validity of the allegation. This is the responsibility of the Department.