Tailored Learning

Helping young people engage with learning and find their pathway forward.

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Formerly known as Flexible Learning Options (FLO), Tailored Learning is a flexible, personalised program designed to support students in Years 8-12 who are disengaged from school or experiencing barriers that make regular attendance difficult.

At Sonder, our multidisciplinary team of Coordinators, Youth Mentors, and Family Peer Practitioners provide wrap-around, trauma-informed, and culturally safe support that helps young people reconnect with learning, strengthen wellbeing, and plan for positive futures.

Tailored Learning takes a whole-of-system approach, recognising that young people thrive when the right supports are working together. We partner closely with schools, families, and community services to support all parts of a young person’s life, including learning, wellbeing, relationships and environment. Support also continues beyond the classroom, including availability across term holidays, ensuring consistency, connection and care when it’s needed most.

 

What do we offer?

  • One-on-one case management

    Each young person is matched with a dedicated Youth Mentor who provides mentoring, advocacy, and personalised support to help them set goals and plan a positive pathway forward.

  • Individualised support planning

    We work with students, parents/caregivers, and schools to understand strengths, interests, challenges, and aspirations, and to develop a tailored plan that supports learning and wellbeing.

  • Tailored learning options

    Learning can take place in a school setting, at community hubs, through outreach, online, or via partnerships with RTOs/TAFE—depending on what works best for the young person.

  • Wellbeing and therapeutic support

    We offer access to a range of Sonder services, including mental health, AOD support, and healthy-lifestyle programs, with direct referral pathways into Sonder’s headspace centres for youth-specific wellbeing support, including access to Aboriginal, LGBTQIA+, and Multicultural Peer Practitioners.

  • Support for families

    We recognise that a young person’s success is strengthened by the support around them. Our Family Peer Practitioners helps families navigate services, build supportive routines, and participate in planning and review processes.

  • Clear pathways beyond school

    We assist young people to explore career goals, connect with vocational opportunities, and plan transitions into further education, training, apprenticeships, or employment.

  • Group-based transition programs

    We also offer group-based programs to support students transitioning from high school into the world of work. Programs may include resume-building and job-readiness workshops, employability skills and workplace expectations, and practical “adulting” skills such as obtaining a Tax File Number and setting up bank accounts.

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Support for schools

Professional supervision for Tailored Learning staff

We work closely with schools to support both students and staff involved in Tailored Learning.

Sonder can provide external professional supervision for salaried Tailored Learning Case Managers using the TRUSTED supervision framework.

The TRUSTED framework is designed specifically for professionals working with adolescents and supports staff to navigate the significant responsibility that comes with supporting young people with complex needs. This framework is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Family Studies as their practice guide for supervision for case managers directly supporting adolescents.

 

Key features of the TRUSTED framework include:

  • A strong emphasis on reflective practice to support worker wellbeing and improve client outcomes.
  • Recognition of the prevalence of exposure to traumatic material in youth-focused roles.
  • Active consideration of emotional countertransference and its impact on practice.
  • Early identification and structured support for emerging challenges through regular supervision.

This supervision model supports sustainable practice, staff wellbeing, and high-quality outcomes for young people.

Accessing this service

Eligibility

Young people may be eligible for Tailored Learning if they:

  • Are in Years 8-12.
  • Are enrolled in a SA Government school.
  • Have been assessed as Category 2 or above under the Tailored Learning Framework.
  • They are disengaged or at risk of disengaging.
  • Face barriers to learning (e.g. mental health, disability, trauma, family challenges, school refusal).

How to access

All referrals to Tailored Learning are made through your child’s school.

To get started:

  • Speak with the Year Level Coordinator or wellbeing team.
  • The school will assess eligibility and make a referral to Sonder.
  • A Youth Mentor will then contact you to begin planning.

If you think Tailored Learning could support your child, we encourage you to reach out to the school to start the conversation.

For enquiries, contact tailoredlearning@sonder.net.au.

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Our team

The Tailored Learning team is made up of experienced Youth Mentors and Family Peer Practitioners equipped to support young people’s diverse and often complex needs.

Their qualifications range from Certificate IV in Youth Work to a degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant field. Our Youth Mentors are also trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Aboriginal Cultural Awareness, Respect and Sensitivity.

Our team utilises an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to case management and care aligned with the Department for Education Tailored Learning Provision model.

Frequently asked questions

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