25 000 children urgently need universal early learning reform

Over 25 000 children from disadvantaged communities desperately need better access to early education and care, according to a new report by Social Ventures Australia. 

The report, Targeting Investment Where it Counts, identified 131 communities as “early education priority zones”, where community disadvantage and childcare deserts intersect. It warns that children in these areas will experience lifelong impacts if they don’t receive quality care. 

CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent welcomed the report. 

“This report highlights the urgent need for a universal high-quality early childhood education and care system to arrest disadvantage and inequity being entrenched and provide all children with the opportunity to thrive and realise their full potential” said Ms Dent. 

“Children experiencing disadvantage have the most to gain from participating in early education but are the least likely to attend with rural children, First Nations children, and children from low-income families most excluded. 

“Access to early childhood education can literally transform the trajectory of a child’s life, with children who participate being more likely to finish school, go to university, and get a job, and less likely to engage in crime or require social welfare. 

“But the current system favours more advantaged children; those from higher-income families living in the city. This entrenches inequity at all levels.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to investing $1billion into building new centres in unserved and underserved areas, if re-elected in 2025. 

“A universal early education and care system will guarantee a place for every child across the country. 

“The Prime Minister’s election commitment to expand the availability of centres, along with the recent passage of the three day guarantee bill, is a step forward on Australia’s journey to a universal system. 

“We commend the SVA for providing this resource and urge all parties to offer ambitious policy reforms to create a universal early learning system that serves all children no matter their circumstances,” said Ms Dent.