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A flexible learning options (FLO) program supports young people who have disengaged from school who may be experiencing:
- anxiety and depression
- unstable accommodation
- family difficulties
- pregnancy or parenting.
As part of the FLO enrolment, young people will:
- work with a qualified case manager (youth worker)
- develop a flexible learning and transition plan
- access learning and other programs.
Eligibility for FLO programs
Young people are eligible for FLO if they’re:
- enrolled in a SA government school
- from year 8 up to the age of 21
- experiencing ongoing attendance concerns.
To find out more about eligibility, contact your school in the first instance or email education.flexiblelearning@sa.gov.au.
How young people are supported in FLO programs
A FLO program supports young people to:
- reconnect with education
- improve literacy and numeracy skills
- achieve SACE or other vocational qualifications
- gain the skills to go onto further study or employment
- develop positive relationships
- address barriers to learning and engagement
- access additional support from community services and agencies
- plan for the future.
Expectations for FLO young people
Young people are expected to:
- regularly connect with their case manager
- participate in case management sessions to address barriers to learning
- engage in wellbeing and learning programs
- attend their weekly timetable.
Flexible learning and transition plan
All FLO students work with their case manager to develop a flexible learning and transition plan (FLTP) based on their needs, skills and interests. The FLTP also outlines the young person’s negotiated timetable, goals and learning pathways. There are a range of other modules that young people can work through on topics such as wellbeing, work experience, vocational pathways and positive transitions.
Learning for FLO enrolled young people
Learning for young people in FLO programs can happen in a variety of different places including in:
- school
- the community
- flexible learning centres
- TafeSA or other registered training organisations (RTOs).
Learning can include:
- part-time or full-time study (SACE and Australian Curriculum)
- vocational courses
- online learning
- work placement with an employer
- volunteering
- wellbeing and social and emotional programs.
Young people need to be engaged in accredited learning as part of their FLO program. FLO can be accredited through the:
Case management
All FLO students have a qualified case manager to support them to address their barriers and re-engage in learning. Case managers may be employed through the school or a non-government organisation.
The support includes:
- identifying barriers to engagement and learning
- addressing health and wellbeing concerns
- providing practical support
- referring young people to other agencies and services
- identifying learning and vocational pathways
- supporting transitions for when young people are ready to leave school
- coaching and goal-setting.
Case managers help young people develop their flexible learning and transition plan (FLTP). They also maintain a case file that includes progress notes, needs assessments, support and referrals.
They also stay in contact with the school, parents, and other support agencies.
FLO redesign
During 2022 and 2023, the department undertook an extensive redesign process of Flexible Learning Options (FLO).
Consultation occurred with schools, parents, students, experts and professional associations.
From this process a new model was developed, the Tailored Learning Provision (TLP). TLP aims to support young people who are vulnerable to:
- chronic non-attendance
- early school leaving
- education disengagement.
TLP will help young people to remain connected to school and improve learning outcomes.
See more about the proposed Tailored Learning Provision 2024 (PDF 483 KB) .
FLO in 2024
In 2024, a new Tailored Learning Provision (TLP) model will be considered in 12 sample schools. The sample schools will review and develop the practical operation of the model in a variety of different school contexts.
The 2024 sample schools are:
- Craigmore High School
- Mannum Community College
- Mark Oliphant College
- Mount Barker High School
- Murray Bridge High School
- Northern Adelaide Senior College
- Parafield Gardens High School
- Playford International College
- Seaview High School
- Seaton High School
- Victor Harbor High School
- Whyalla Secondary College
All other FLO programs will continue as business and usual.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about the department or a department-funded service provider, we encourage you to follow the department’s complaint process.