There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing a child learn new skills. Watching them grow, thrive and discover their unique talents is one of life’s true joys.
But for some children, learning doesn’t come easily. They struggle to achieve milestones, can become overwhelmed by school work, spiral into anxiety in the classroom and lack confidence and belief in their abilities.
Without support, children who face difficulties with learning may never have the opportunity to live the life they dream for themselves. The hope and curiosity they’re born with is at risk of being extinguished as they fall behind their peers. They can easily feel side-lined, isolated and helpless as they struggle to learn.
We don’t think any child’s future should be compromised by difficulties with learning. That’s why we’re here to make the biggest possible impact on these children’s lives, as well as the family members and professionals around them.
How Learning Links Helps
We work closely with children every day to find their unique talents, foster their individual strengths, ignite a passion for learning and support them to fulfil the dreams they have for themselves.
Our passionate team of psychologists, educators and therapists work on a one-on-one or group basis to provide the support each child needs to develop vital language, literacy and numeracy skills, along with practical life-skills and strategies that build their confidence, expand social skills and enhance emotional wellbeing.
Learning Links’ support is personalised so that each child receives the help they need, at their own pace, in a way that works best for them.
This tailored approach builds confidence and ensures each child feels belief in themselves and their ability to learn, grow and achieve their personal goals – skills which set them up for a better future.
The life-changing help Learning Links provides is only possible thanks to the generous funding we receive from grants, corporate partnerships and individuals in the community. This allows us to run free in-school programs and centre-based services, and offer our services at subsidised rates to children and families who would otherwise miss out on the support they so desperately need.
In 2024-2025, Learning Links supported:
Our Impact This Year
91% of children enjoy coming to Learning Links
79% of children are equipped to succeed academically
80% of children can communicate more effectively
82% of children experience improved emotional wellbeing
86% of children are more confident and ready for future challenges
94% of parents are satisfied with the supports offered for their child
Where Learning Links Made an Impact
Greater Sydney
Learning Links provided direct support to children through our centre-based, school-based and online programs right across Sydney.
Regional New South Wales
Through our online services and school programs, Learning Links grew our impact in regional New South Wales including the Central Coast, Newcastle, Central West and Riverina/Murray.
National
In 2025, Learning Links supported children in Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia through our online services. Our capacity building initiatives also helped us reach teachers, psychologists, speech pathologists, early childhood educators in every state and territory across Australia.
We Impact Learning, Wellbeing and Future Outcomes
Learning Links’ approach is evidence-informed, engaging, results-focused – and it works. As a result of our programs:
- Children make measurable gains with literacy and numeracy to build confidence and engage meaningfully in the classroom
- Children have improved social, emotional and behavioural skills that support their education, relationships and wellbeing
- Children feel more included to participate alongside their peers at school and in activities
- Parents feel knowledgeable, equipped and confident to help their child’s learning and development at home
- Professionals have the strategies and tools to better teach and support children with additional needs, and their families
- Children and families in disadvantaged communities and schools have more opportunities and equal access to life-changing support.
Our Theory of Change
Learning Links’ Theory of Change outlines our vision for lasting impact – addressing the learning, developmental and wellbeing needs of children through holistic, evidence-based support. Our work breaks down the barriers to access, participation and equity, builds essential skills and confidence, and helps children thrive – strengthening families and creating more inclusive, resilient communities.
“She’s able to come in and be comfortable and safe talking to her counsellor.”
– Parent
What Guides Our Work
Learning Links takes a holistic approach to helping children learn, develop and thrive. We provide high-quality, evidence-based multidisciplinary supports that directly nurture children’s unique strengths, while also empowering parents, educators and professionals with the knowledge and tools for the home, their school or early childhood setting, and in the community.
Beyond this, we work to break down barriers by working with funders to support disadvantaged communities, building strong community partnerships, and advocating for change – so that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
“Your support of our students and especially all the screeners that the therapists have been able to do for us has been amazing. Thank you for all the guidance you have given to our kindergarten students this year.”
– Learning Support Teacher
Starting Strong with Wellbeing Support in the Early Years
This year, we developed a psychology coaching model for early childhood services and piloted the model at Learning Links Preschool. Psychologists work directly with early childhood educators to observe children’s behaviours and interactions, build capacity through training and feedback, and design strategies to support children’s emotional regulation, social interaction and smooth school transitions.
This transdisciplinary model was made possible through long-standing partnerships with Georges River Council and Club Central Hurstville. Their continued support reflects our shared commitment to inclusive education and to equipping children with the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Expanding Access Through Online Supports
Too many children miss out on the help they need because services are scarce, waiting lists long, or the cost of travel puts these services out of reach. In 2025, Learning Links has expanded our online services to include online ADHD assessments and communication assessments, creating greater access to evidence-based, individualised care.
“Living in a regional area made it really hard to find to find the right support. Most specialists are in the city, and travelling with a child who needs accommodations was a nightmare. Online access has been key. My daughter now gets the help she needs with Learning Links for her communication and social skills, and we get the benefits without the challenges.” – Regional Parent.
Building an Evidence Base for Future Literacy Outcomes
Learning Links has been building children’s reading confidence through our Reading for Life® program for over 20 years. In 2025, we were the proud recipient of a $300,000 grant as part of Paul Ramsay Foundation’s Experimental Evaluation Program, allowing us to conduct a comprehensive study with Western Sydney University to assess long-term improvements in reading fluency, comprehension and motivation.
The 24-month trial will provide 15 weeks of reading support to 184 students and evaluate their long-term outcomes.
Proudly Maintaining Our Exceeding Rating
We are proud to share that Learning Links Preschool has once again been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standards (NQS). This achievement recognises the exceptional care, teaching, and inclusive learning environment we provide for every child.
An Exceeding rating means our preschool goes beyond the requirements of the NQS in critical areas such as educational program and practice, relationships with children, and collaborative partnerships with families and communities.
This outstanding result is a reflection of our team’s passion and unwavering commitment to giving children of all abilities the best possible start in life.
Supporting Parents to Build Maths Confidence at Home
When a child struggles with maths, it can be daunting for parents who want to help but don’t feel confident themselves. To help parents build their confidence, we developed Links at Home – Maths, a free online program that provides a step-by-step guide to teaching children foundational counting and addition skills.
Short video demonstrations, printable resources and engaging games help to make maths practice at home more enjoyable for the whole family and help children to build stronger number skills and a positive attitude towards learning.
Expanding Capacity Building in Early Childhood
Learning Links has a long-standing commitment to building high-quality, inclusive early childhood education that gives all children the best start to school. This year, we deepened that commitment by commissioning new research, developing an innovative coaching model and expanding our Sector Capacity Building (SCB) program in the South Western Sydney region.
Our new coaching model offers a tailored professional development pathway to help early childhood educators embed inclusive practices in their centres and respond to developmental vulnerabilities identified in the Australian Early Development Census domains.
This enhanced offering and our long history of inclusive early childhood support led to Learning Links’ selection as a provider of the South Australian Government’s Preschool Boost program. We look forward to working with centres to strengthen their practice in the coming year.
“Thank you for helping me feel more confident at school and getting ready for high school.”
– Child in Learning Links Specialist Tutoring program
