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 are unable to identify government secondary schools that adequately cater for their specific needs.
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