UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE KEY TO BOOSTING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE FOR DISADVANTAGED KIDS: REPORT

All parties must commit to making quality early childhood education and care more affordable and accessible so children from low-income backgrounds can reach their full potential, advocates say.

The call comes as new research from Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute, shows the ‘achievement gap’ – defined as a persistent difference in education outcomes by socioeconomic background – begins at two to three years and is entrenched by the time children reach school. 

The research, contained in the new ‘Unequal from the Start’ report, confirms that the first three years of a child’s life are crucial when it comes to future academic performance.

Even disadvantaged children who perform well at a very young age are overtaken by peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds by the time they start school. 

CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, reiterated the report’s finding that this inequality is linked to Australia’s market-based funding model for early childhood education and care, which means too many children from low-income households miss out.

“Australia’s profit-driven early childhood education and care system hasn’t prioritised the needs of all children,” said Ms Dent. 

“We urgently need to replace the Child Care Subsidy with free access to quality early learning for low-income families and cap fees at $10 a day for all others.

“Parents’ incomes and postcodes should not dictate their children’s educational opportunities. We are calling on the Commonwealth Government to step in and lead the early education sector to regain control of the cost, provision and quality. 

“The value of early education for children younger than three is sometimes contested, but this report adds to the body of research highlighting the value of quality early education. 

“Early childhood education helps prepare children to arrive at school ready to learn which has life long benefits: it is a profound tool to build social and educational equity.

Ensuring that is a reality for all children needs to be a priority.” 

Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly recently vowed to cut off funding for childcare providers in breach of safety and quality standards or not paying staff, and those with financial integrity problems. 

The Greens have also announced a plan to establish an Early Childhood Education and Care Commission – a recommendation made by The Productivity Commission. 

“The Albanese government has taken significant positive steps – like lifting wages for educators, expanding access to early learning through the 3-Day guarantee and committing $1 billion for new or expanded centres in areas of need. Funding reform is the next frontier that needs to be tackled. 

“Early childhood education and care is not a luxury that should only be available to children whose parents can afford it. It’s a critical component of a child’s education and development.

The Parenthood is calling on all parties and candidates contesting the 2025 Federal Election to commit to universal early childhood education and care, so that all children can be supported to thrive and realise their full potential,” said Ms Dent.