Poor NAPLAN results highlight need for early learning

A universal early learning system would support the most disadvantaged children to thrive at school and beyond. Lack of access to early learning doesn’t just impact children at primary school, but also at high school.

A universal early learning system would support the most disadvantaged children to thrive at school and beyond, says advocacy group The Parenthood.

Speaking about recent NAPLAN results, Education Minister Jason Clare made similar comments this morning during an interview on ABC Radio National. 

The interview on the latest NAPLAN results, in which 1 in 3 Australian students are not meeting basic standards, comes a week after a 15% wage rise was announced for early childhood educators. It is the most recent in a series of signals from the Federal Government that committing to implementing a universal early learning system could be part of their 2024/25 election promises. 

CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, said that the correlation between early childhood education attendance and performance at school is well established.  

“One in five children start school developmentally vulnerable in Australia, and the availability of services in Australia are highly dependent on family income and postcode. Equal opportunities for all children won’t exist until early learning access is universal,” said Ms Dent. 

“Minister Clare noted several times that such a system would be most beneficial for children that are least likely to have access to it; those from low income, regional and rural and Indigenous backgrounds, and we couldn’t agree more. 

“Lack of access to early learning doesn’t just impact children’s performance at primary school, but their chances of finishing high school, attending university and securing stable employment. 

“By connecting more children with the supports they need earlier on, a universal system has the power to change entire life trajectories.”

The Productivity Commission’s final report into early childhood education and care is due to be released soon and will outline what is needed to build a universal early learning system where every child has access.  

“The Parenthood commends the Federal Government for recognising the need for a universal early learning system and urges all parties to support its implementation in the upcoming election,” said Ms Dent.