19 Jun Supporting positive educational outcomes

In 2024, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program (RMLP) was an educational lifeline to hundreds of school aged children across WA.

When a child becomes ill or injured, many daily activities, like going to school, often take a back seat. Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) recognises the effects this may have on a child’s development both now and well into the future.

“My son’s high school years were heavily impacted by mental health issues, so my son and I are both very grateful for the opportunity to access this important program.” Morena, the mother of an RMLP student says.

To help best support these children, RMLP takes a tailored approach ensuring each student has what they need to achieve the best possible outcomes when returning to the classroom.

“My son was matched with amazing tutors for English and Maths. Both were extremely supportive and understanding of his circumstances, especially when his anxiety impacted his ability to attend tutoring sessions from time to time.” Morena explains

Of the 331 students who utilised the fee-free one-on-one tutoring in 2024, almost 50% of those students also accessed specialist funding through RMLP including speech, occupational therapy and or psychometric assessment, up 150% of those who accessed the program in 2023.

Considered assessment helps to identify specific academic needs to direct tutoring goals. This helps to save time and financial resources when directing teaching.

“Assessment can also help to clarify what the barriers to learning have been by considering background history and presenting problems.” Lawson Psychology’s Senior Psychologist, Yppres Drew says.

By coupling tutoring and allied health services children are given an all-encompassing program designed to help them return to the classroom prepared and confident. And with no cost to families, RMLP alleviates financial stresses that can come when a child needs educational support.

“Funded access to assessment and tutoring relieves financial stress placed on families, especially if they are dealing with the stress of a child who is falling behind academically and/or has complicated medical needs.” Yppres adds.

With Social Ventures Australia’s RMHC WA cost benefit analysis identifying 94% of RMLP students in 2024 seeing improved educational outcomes, this program is proving to make a real impact on the lives of ill or injured school aged children.

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