- Retaining Young (Pregnant and Parenting) People in Learning and Education (RYPPLE)
Project title: Retaining Young (Pregnant and Parenting) People in Learning and Education (RYPPLE)
Organisation: Family Planning Tasmania
Amount funded: $20,000
RYPPLE is a project initiated by Family Planning Tasmania in collaboration with the Tasmanian Department of Education to support young pregnant and parenting students to remain engaged in learning and education. In consultation with teachers, school social workers, educational psychologists and students, RYPPLE developed resources that promote a whole school approach to maximise the educational outcomes of young pregnant and parenting students.
Three objectives were achieved by the project:
- A resource package was developed for schools that outlines best practices, practical strategies, referral pathways and services in the community. It also includes copies the five Making Choices booklets and other resources to assist in school professional development. The package is available on the RYPPLE website.
The RYPPLE resource package received many positive responses and a review of the resource folder, through a survey of the Communities of Practice, will be undertaken after six months of implementation. - Professional Development Sessions provided teachers and support staff through train the trainer sessions with the knowledge and strategies to support students in an appropriate way so that their educational outcomes are maximised. This has ensured that in each Learning Services area of Tasmania there are ‘experts’ who can support other staff and encourage schools to create positive learning environments for young people who are pregnant or parenting.
- Communities of Practice were established to develop and build on existing linkages between schools and organisations within government and community sectors that work with young people who are pregnant or parenting to ensure coordinated support. This ensures sustainability and involves opportunities for those staff who participated in the training to form an interest group which can meet beyond the end of the training.
The outcomes of the RYPPLE project all target the key areas of building communities that support families, providing integrated and collaborative approaches to health, early education and family support, adolescent decision making about pregnancy and parenting, ante natal and post natal support, parenthood, the importance of education for both parents and child, and the production of professional development for those key stakeholders in this area.
For further information contact Dr Jo Winckle, Program Officer, Family Planning Tasmania, Ph: 0400054941, email: makingchoices@fpt.asn.au.
