Help us: Kylie Hall, second from left, with daughter Kayla Barling, 16, and Kelly Alfrod with son Tyler, 11.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
By John Van Klaveren
The education system is leaving Corio children with learning difficulties and behavioural problems “in the too-hard basket”, according to a group of mothers.
The eight women said they were desperate for help with their children.
“Our kids are falling through the cracks in the education system and we’re at a loss,” Kylie Hall said.
“We have talked to schools, principals, teachers, doctors, the education department, but no one can help us. We feel abandoned by the system.
“It’s grown worse since the amalgamation of the northern suburbs schools because our kids don’t like big schools or large classes. They have difficulty coping with this sort of change but have no support to get through it.”
Ms Hall said the system expected her children to cope with the usual school curriculum but they were unable.
“Then they develop anxieties and their behaviour deteriorates as a result.”
Kelly Alford said schools in Geelong’s northern suburbs had turned away her children.
“I know there have been problems with bad behaviour but the bad behaviour happens because the schools don’t have the facilities or resources to help our kids.”
The mothers said their children had been assessed for intervention and integration assistance but fell just outside the guidelines.
Corio ward councillor Kylie Fisher said her work as an integration aide made her aware of limited resources for schools.
“Schools are definitely under-resourced and a there’s a lack of funding for children with behavioural issues,” she said.
“Teachers need to be supported but instead there’s an expectation on teachers and support staff to solve the issues themselves.
“The education department needs to review the criteria and the assessment tool for intervention programs.”
Lara MP John Eren said he was unsurprised the Coalition Government “did not care” about his electorate.
“That’s why there was no funding announcement for the second stage of the Corio Norlane education regeneration project.”
A Department of Education and Early Childhood Development spokeswoman said staff were willing to work with young people and their families to achieve the best educational outcome.
“Any parent with concerns is encouraged to speak to the principal of Northern Bay College who is very willing to meet with parents about the individual educational needs of students.”
