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When the state government launched the Bendigo Flexible Learning Option in Kangaroo Flat in January, it was billed as a “lifeline” for students at risk of dropping out of school.
None were more at risk than the former students of the Anglicare Educational Services Unit, which closed its doors at the end of 2016, and which the FLO was designed to replace.
But the parent of one former ESU student now attending the FLO, who wished to remain anonymous, says she has all but lost hope her son will attain his VCE certificate by the time he finishes year 12 next year.
She says her son, who has autism, didn’t even start at the school until May and now only attends two days a week.
“It’s a big concern for me because I work full time so I’ve got a kid on the spectrum sitting at home on his own on the internet all the other days of the week,” she said.
“Nothing’s happening with his education [on the other days] because he’s not there, so there is no education.”
The mother said the school was still “trying to find their feet” and was probably six months away from functioning as it should.
“That’s too late because he’s already half way through year 11,” she said.
“They say they’re working towards getting things up and running, they say all the right things but it’s not actually coming to fruition yet.
“I can’t see how he’ll get a certificate because he’s not actually completing VCE.”
But a spokesman for the Education Department said the FLO offered “a great local service from a new fit-for-purpose centre” which was “well staffed to support its students to return to mainstream education”.
“All 52 students enrolled at the new Bendigo FLO have individualised learning plans tailored to their specific needs, and created in close consultation with them and their parents,” he said.
“These learning plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of students and align with the Victorian curriculum, including one-on-one sessions held with families this week to discuss their progress and possible improvements.”
He said the school’s program had received “ongoing positive feedback from its students, parents and community service organisations”.
“Our door is always open, and we encourage parents who want to discuss any issues they feel their child is facing at the new FLO centre to contact principal Leanne Preece on 5443 2133,” he said.