Strong Start, Successful Learners

At four years old, Miles was excited to start kindergarten and his local school was looking forward to welcoming him. They had recognised the importance of building an early partnership with Miles and his family, to connect them with supports to give Miles a strong and successful start at school.

The Gateway Learning Community of Schools in the Hunter Region of NSW focuses on giving children the best start in learning through a dedicated Transition Support Teacher role. This role, established six years ago and funded for the past three years through Schools Plus, serves as a link between schools, services, children, and families, to strengthen partnerships across the whole of community.

The role has helped connect Miles and his family to his local school and fostered a strong sense of belonging. The networking, connection and collaboration ensured that Miles had the supports for success from day one of kindergarten.  

This cluster of seven schools remains committed to supporting children such as Miles and their families through effective partnerships and efficient transition processes. One principal commented: “We have been able to build genuine and sustainable partnerships with our families, services and early childhood partners earlier and more authentically than ever before.”

The successful model is now being replicated by schools in the surrounding NSW region.