Rising to the Challenge: Supporting Children’s Complex Needs by TheirCare

We are witnessing a rise in the number of children diagnosed with disabilities in mainstream schools, “the number of students reported to have a disability is growing at lightning speed, jumping almost 40% since 2017” (The Guardian). This trend highlights the importance of developing specialised strategies to support children effectively.

IncludED@OSHC offers universal insights and learnings into the delivery of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) for children and young people with disability. TheirCare, as one of the earliest providers of High Intensity OSHC during it’s pilot phase (High Intensity Outside School Hours Care Initiative for students with disabilities | vic.gov.au), was one of two providers that contributed to the development of these nine professional learning modules.

These modules have been instrumental in equipping educators with techniques and approaches which can be applied across all OSHC settings. Participating in the High Intensity OSHC initiative, as well as our broader experience delivering OSHC in specialist schools in Victoria, has allowed us to develop expertise in managing complex challenges and behaviours. Best practices and experiences are shared across all our services, enhancing the development of our staff in handling complex behaviours effectively, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment for all children.

A key learning we have taken from our experience at our specialist schools is the effectiveness of a strengths-based approach. Focusing on a child’s strengths rather than their limitations allows for a more positive and empowering experience. This approach fosters resilience and confidence, encouraging children to leverage their unique abilities.

Creating a positive environment is also vital. School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) “is a globally recognised, evidence-based approach that improves behaviour, wellbeing, and learning for children” (https://www.vic.gov.au/SWPBS). Collaboration with families and schools is a key element of TheirCare’s approach. By working seamlessly together, we can reinforce positive behaviour models that benefit children at home, in school and OSHC.

We believe that the journey of a child-centred program begins at enrolment, where understanding a child's interests and behaviours are crucial. This aligns with the principles of child voice and agency, essential components of positive behaviour models. Prioritising positive relationships and focusing on learning, allows both educators and students to thrive.

In conclusion, we believe that the rising number of children diagnosed with higher needs in schools call for a proactive and informed approach. By leveraging our knowledge and sharing best practices, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that benefits all children and families.