The NSW Government has no specific policy for young parents or pregnant teenagers but told the Children’s Commissioner that ‘NSW public schools and staff work to develop local solutions to support the needs of students as required’. Examples of adjustments to support pregnant and/or parenting students in schools include:
- leave from attendance before and/or after birth of baby
- flexible lesson timetables (ie starting or finishing later)
- option to complete year 11 or 12 over a period of up to five years
- distance education
While there are organisations in NSW providing alternative schools and services for pregnant and parenting students we were only able to identify one government secondary schools that cater for their specific needs.
Narara Valley High School Young Parent Program for parents under 30 is held Wednesday & Thursday during school terms from 9-2. A teacher and a dedicated classroom are provided for study whilst young children are cared in the creche. Contact: 4329 3780 or Louise Miller on 0422840161.
The Sydney Distance Education High School has a Pregnant and Young Parents Program. Contact by email or tel 02 9383 0200
The St Phillips Christian College operates DALE Young Parents School campuses at 2a Amy Close, Wyong and at 98 Georgetown Road, Waratah (Newcastle) providing flexible learning, onsite early learning for babies whilst parents study, wellbeing support and services that assist with parenting and life issues, leading to high school certificate and transition to tertiary education. Their on-site Young Parents Hubs at Wyong and Newcastle provide programs and services in early learning, parenting advice and support, vocational pathways and mentoring into employment.