Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards Winners Profile
Winners of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Flying Colours Education (FCE) has been on a mission since 2015 to uplift children who often fall through the gaps of traditional education systems. Founded by Janina, a former classroom teacher who experienced firsthand the limitations of standard resources, FCE is the product of her passion to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences for children who don’t qualify for formal intervention yet clearly need specialised support.
The Birth of Flying Colours Education
Janina’s journey began when she left her teaching role, feeling burnt out and disheartened by the lack of tailored support for struggling students. Determined to make a difference, she began tutoring on a casual basis, traveling to students’ homes. However, she quickly realised the need for a more sustainable model, not only for her work-life balance but also to better serve the students. This realisation led to the establishment of a home-based setup, where she could create an environment conducive to effective learning.
A Unique, Multi-Sensory Approach
What sets FCE apart from conventional tutoring services is their commitment to intervention-based learning. Their philosophy is simple: if the traditional six hours of school isn’t working for a child, repeating the same content for another hour won’t help. Instead, FCE adopts a multi-sensory, play-based approach that turns learning into an engaging, enjoyable experience. This method is designed to help children learn in ways that resonate with them, making academic progress feel like a natural part of play rather than a chore. Furthermore, each student’s program and progress is individualised and monitored on a regular basis.
FCE specialises in helping students with learning disabilities and significant learning gaps, using evidence-based strategies. Their holistic programs focus on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive support tailored to their needs. This approach not only fosters academic growth but also builds confidence, removing the stigma that extra academic help often carries.
A Focus on the Whole Child
One of FCE’s standout features is their dedication to supporting the whole child. Alongside academic intervention, they have an on-site counsellor who helps students navigate the emotional challenges tied to learning difficulties. This integrated approach ensures that children receive well-rounded support, addressing both their educational and emotional needs.
Regular communication with parents is another cornerstone of FCE’s philosophy. Through newsletters, termly updates, and accessible contact options, parents are always in the loop. Progress assessments are conducted regularly, and the joy of shared success is a frequent occurrence. One notable story is of a high school student with dyslexia who, with FCE’s support, achieved a Band 5 in English for the HSC and went on to pursue tertiary studies, a testament to the life-changing impact of their methods.
Building a Supportive Community
FCE has grown largely through word-of-mouth, with satisfied families spreading the word about the organisation’s effectiveness and nurturing environment. This organic growth reflects the genuine trust and success that FCE has inspired within the community.
The organisation also recognises the importance of easing transitions. When students are ready to move on, the shift can be difficult for families who have found comfort in FCE’s supportive structure. To continue providing a safety net, FCE created a Homework Club, where students can drop in for help as needed, offering continuity without full-time intervention.
Recognised for Excellence
Flying Colours Education’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment has not gone unnoticed. They proudly won the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, highlighting their dedication to embracing diversity and ensuring that every child has access to quality, personalised education.
Looking to the Future
To keep their services affordable, FCE strategically manages overhead costs and introduces income supplements like optional homework packs. Their commitment to accessible, quality education remains a top priority.
Looking ahead, FCE envisions expanding their services to create a collaborative ecosystem, partnering with psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. The ultimate goal is to establish a one-stop support system for families, reducing the stress of coordinating multiple services and providing comprehensive care for children under one roof.
With a strong foundation, a dedicated team, and an unwavering commitment to their mission, Flying Colours Education continues to be a beacon of hope for families and a catalyst for children’s success, empowering them to soar to new academic and personal heights.
For more information, please contact Flying Colours Education
