Parent resource hub
The Home Schooling Unit has compiled a range of websites and organisations that provide useful information, resources or support to parents and young people.
Although these materials are not specifically designed for parents who home school their child, you may find them helpful as a starting point when sourcing information on a range of topics.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- TAFE NSW – Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Information about apprenticeships and traineeships including things to consider and how to find one. - NSW Department of Education - Pre-apprenticeships and Pre-traineeships
Information for young people uncertain if an apprenticeship is right for them. Includes information and links to fee-free pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses.
Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme
- Service NSW
Information for parents about the Assistance for Isolated Children scheme (AIC). This is for children who may be unable to attend a local government school because of geographical isolation, disability or special needs.
Careers advice
- myfuture
Resources to explore career pathways and tools to develop self-knowledge to help with career decision-making. Includes support for both parents and young people. - NSW Government – Careers advice for young people
Information for young people unsure of what to do after school, wanting to progress or change careers. Includes access to free one-on-one personalised support with a career specialist. - Australian Government – Career education resources
Support for young people about future careers and making the transition to work. - Australian Government – Your Career
The School Leavers Information Kit (SLIK) can help young people find education, training, and employment options available to them. Includes specific information related to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young people living with disability and regional and remote school leavers.
Centrelink
- Services Australia
Information regarding support and payments for young people while they study, re-train or complete an apprenticeship.
Child safety
- Office of the Children's Guardian
Information for parents and carers looking for child-safe services for their family. Includes details on how to check WWC status of private tutors and coaches.
Children's health and development
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
Advice on a range of children’s health topics such as nutrition, sleep, physical activity and mental health.
Cyber safety
- eSafety Commissioner
Advice for parents and carers to help kids stay safe online.
Disability
- NSW Department of Education – Understanding disability
Information around a range of disabilities as well as some evidence-based strategies and best practice tips. Disabilities covered include Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Autism, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Communication disorders and others.
Mental health support
- NSW Government – Mental health skills
Support and guidance for young people experiencing mental health challenges. - Australian Government – Head to Health
Support for parents and carers in helping their children’s mental health and wellbeing challenges. - NSW Government – Mental health and emotional support
Information and support services to help with mental wellbeing of parents and children, as well as with family relationships. - Kids Helpline
Access to online support and information for children and parents on a range of issues affecting young people.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Creating your NDIS plan
Booklets and fact sheets about the NDIS, what it can do to help and how to go about accessing and using the support.
Smart and Skilled Vocational program
- NSW Department of Education – Smart and Skilled for home schooled students
Information about the Smart and Skilled program which offers government-subsidised vocational education and training to people who meet certain criteria.
TAFE NSW
- TVET
Information about TAFE pathways for young people. - Study and career pathways
Information on further education, entering the workforce or developing study skills. Also includes information regarding university access pathways via TAFE.
Transition to work
- Fair Work Ombudsman
Information for young people starting work, about pay and wages, awards, conditions and entitlements.
Transport Concession Entitlement card and Proof of Age
- Transport NSW
The Transport Concession Entitlement Card provides:- proof of eligibility for young people 16 years or over
- proof of age for children under 16.
Universities Admissions Centre
- UAC - Pathways to university
Information about university pathway options and entry schemes for young people who do not meet the standard entry criteria for their courses. - Also see the TAFE NSW links above for alternative pathways to university entry.
Young people and relationships
- Australian Government – Respect
Information and resources to support parents when discussing relationships and respect with their children. - Australian Government – Consent
Information and resources to support parents when talking to their children about sexual relationships and consent.
Youth Health Services
- NSW Health - Resources and contacts for young people
Links to access information and a range of health services for young people.