Hubs are a way to connect families and communities with:

• their school
• each other
• local community
• local services.

A hub can mean different things in different schools. Some examples are when:

• the school’s facilities are shared with community groups
• the school community works together to improve attendance and learning outcomes
• volunteers and families share cultural celebrations
• service agencies share school space to provide services to children and families at the school

When schools do this, it is called a community hub.

What we mean by ‘school community’

A school’s community always includes students and staff at the school, and goes further. For example:

• families
• volunteers
• local groups and clubs
• government and non-government services and organisations.

Why do this – the benefits of hubs in schools

If your school decides to set up a hub you should keep your focus on the outcomes for students and families. Start by thinking about the benefits.

Benefits for students

A hub can improve student learning and wellbeing.

There can be improved:

• literacy and numeracy outcomes
• attendance and engagement in learning
• positive behaviour at home and school
• strong connection to school and learning
• higher school completion rates.

There can be increased:

• interaction with the community promoting belonging and citizenship
• access to support services which can enhance health and wellbeing.

Benefits for the school

A hub can create a bigger team to achieve better outcomes for students.

There can be improved:

• school completion and achievement rates
• connections with local services and the community
• relationships with staff, students and families

There can be increased:

• use of local services by having them onsite
• use of school facilities afterhours, helping reduce vandalism

Benefits for families

A hub can improve family and student relationships with the school.

There can be improved:

• sense of belonging
• capacity to help children do better at school
• involvement in their child’s education through decision-making and participation
• parent self-esteem

• links with community resources and services increasing access to community assets and networks
• increased access to support services when required enhancing wellbeing.

National research and evaluation on community hubs

• Independent Evaluation of the National Community Hubs Program (2015).
• Parental engagement in learning and schooling: Lessons from research (2012).