Primary schools are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to be considered for inclusion in the National Community Hubs Program (NCHP).
To be eligible to be a community hub host you must:
1. Be a primary school
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the local needs of migrants in your community including those who are humanitarian arrivals and from a non-English speaking background
3. Demonstrate the ability to create an inclusive environment for the hub leader and for members of the local community, including those who are outside the school community
4. Be able to provide a dedicated space for the hub
5. Be able to actively implement strategies to engage with newly arrived migrant families
6. Demonstrate the ability to deliver against funding agreements, meet reporting requirements and contribute to creating a culture of continuous improvement within the school.
A recent evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program found that it led to a number of benefits for the school and the wider community. A hub enhanced the schools’ capacity to form collaborative partnerships with families, and to respond to the needs and aspirations of families.
Principals and school staff also reported that their awareness of, and connections to, early years and other community services has increased as a result of having a hub. Furthermore, most local community service staff and principals reported that as a result of the hub, the school and community services were working collaboratively to develop shared plans to work with migrant communities.
The program aims to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion in targeted Australian communities by achieving four core outcomes:
Child outcomes – Migrant children enjoy and succeed in school and achieve optimal health, development and wellbeing.
Family outcomes – Migrant families function well, have the capacity, confidence and skills to nurture child learning, and are connected, active participants in the community and workforce.
School outcomes – Schools respond to the needs and aspirations of migrant children and families.
Community outcomes – Community services respond early and effectively to migrant child and family needs.
Each community hub is supported by a hub leader who is employed by the school. Hub leaders play a vital role in connecting parents and children with local schools, agencies and people in the community. The hub leader reports into the school principal or nominated delegate within the school. In addition, the hub leader is supported by a local support coordinator and is part of a local hub leader network coordinated by the local support agency.
Community hubs are funded by a longstanding partnership between the Scanlon Foundation, host schools, the Australian Government and state and local governments. Private and community sector organisations also provide support.
