Berry Street Web Docs BEST Centre Annual Report 2010 | Page 5

Characteristics of the

Student Population

The young people enrolled at the BEST Centre are aged 12-17 , come from all walks of life and have an interest in learning . Most of the young people at the BEST Centre may :
» require assistance to overcome learning difficulties necessitating extra support
» have some impairment to their intellectual functioning
» have a history of trauma and subsequent severe emotional disorder
» have difficulties with substance misuse and can engage in risk taking behaviours
» live away from their families or have disrupted living circumstances and require case management intervention as part of the protective Department of Human Services response
» have left school early or are unable to attend mainstream school and require support to get back on track
» be assisted to complete their Youth Justice requirements , or have spent time in a custodial facility and require assistance through Pathway Planning and educational programs to transition into the community
» be single mums or dads who would benefit from vocational training and parenting assistance
» be in receipt of a Centrelink payment or need support to stabilise income or require support due to being homeless .
The majority of students enrolled in the BEST Centre are able to access targeted Disability funding to support their special needs .

Staff at the BEST Centre

In 2010 , a total of 13.2 EFT staff worked at the BEST centre , with each campus having : » 1 Senior Education Manager » 3 x EFT teaching staff » 2.6 x EFT Education support staff ( including Youth Workers ,
Integration aides and an Aboriginal Support worker )
All teachers are fully qualified , with VIT registration . One staff member has Special Education qualifications , and one teacher is Indigenous .
The high ratio of staff for the number of students is a reflection of Berry Street ’ s belief that our students require specialist , individual support in order to make educational progress .