Who is Learning Links? Learning Links was established in 1972 by parents concerned about the lack of appropriate education and support services to meet their children’s needs. Today, our focus is on preventing learning difficulties from causing disadvantage. We work in close collaboration with schools, early childhood settings, professionals and parents to help children with learning disabilities and difficulties. What can cause difficulties with learning? A broad range of circumstances can lead to learning difficulties in children. And when we say ‘learning difficulties’ we don’t just mean academics – like trouble reading or doing maths – we also mean challenges learning the life skills kids need to grow and thrive. Children with learning difficulties are often anxious, lack confidence and have trouble communicating and making friends. Many have behavioural issues. They may have diagnosed conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, fine and gross motor delays and speech and language delays. These difficulties can be hereditary. For parents, this means further hardships may arise when supporting their child as they have already endured a lifetime of learning challenges themselves. Circumstances such as financial disadvantage or coming from a family with English as a second language can also create barriers with learning and access to services. The earlier that children experiencing learning difficulties receive the help they need, the better the outcomes. Regardless, it’s never too late to seek support. How Learning Links helps Empowering children to learn 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. Learning Links believes every child deserves the very best opportunity to learn and live a full, rich life, unlimited by circumstance. But for some children, learning doesn’t come easily. They struggle to achieve milestones, become overwhelmed by school work, spiral into anxiety in the classroom and lack the confidence to develop new skills. Without support, children with learning difficulties 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. And – worst of all– they can enter adulthood without the opportunity to discover their true potential. We don’t think any child’s future should be compromised by learning difficulties. That’s why we’re here to help. We work with children 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. Learning Links’ expert psychologists, educators and practitioners 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 also runs an inclusive preschool and supported playgroups that promote the social, academic and life skills that set children up for a successful entry into primary school. Find out more about Learning Links Preschool here. Learning Links’ support is tailored 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 empowered to believe in themselves and their ability to learn, grow and achieve their personal goals – skills which set them up for a better future. Learning Links approach is evidence-informed, engaging, results-focused – and it works. Each year, we are proud to help over 4,000 children thrive.
