UNICEF Australia and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) have just released a comprehensive report on the wellbeing of Australian children. The report highlights the need for the Commonwealth to introduce an Early Years Strategy to address issues with childcare and other important aspects of early childhood development. This strategy is essential to ensure that our children get the best start in life.
The findings of the report
The UNICEF and ARACY report card into the wellbeing of Australian children has found that while most children and young people have access to the material basics they need to thrive, a significant minority of children experience profound deprivation. This includes inadequate housing, food, and educational resources, as well as a lack of access to health care services, recreational activities, and technology. Furthermore, these disadvantages compound each other, making it difficult for these children to succeed and reach their full potential.
The report also highlighted several key issues facing Australia’s children, including mental health, education and learning, physical health, safety and security, and economic security. These issues are exacerbated by disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and between those living in urban and rural areas. The report concluded that there is urgent need for policies that focus on early childhood development, increased funding for essential services, improved access to high-quality childcare, greater investment in child protection systems, and strengthening existing laws related to child rights.
The need for a Commonwealth Early Years Strategy
The Children’s Index reveals significant disparities in the wellbeing of Australian children and the need for targeted action to ensure all children can reach their potential. UNICEF Australia and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) have argued for a Commonwealth Early Years Strategy to address this issue.
This strategy would recognise that early years are critical in a child’s development, and seek to ensure that every child has access to quality health, education, and early learning opportunities that provide them with a strong foundation for lifelong success. It would also consider the different needs of vulnerable populations, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who face additional disparities in health and education.
A Commonwealth Early Years Strategy would involve specific actions to improve outcomes for young children across multiple domains, such as increasing funding for early childhood education and care, strengthening public health systems to ensure access to early intervention and prevention programs, and developing a comprehensive plan to reduce child poverty. It would also consider strategies to address family violence, support parents in their role as primary caregivers, and enhance collaboration between different levels of government and non-government organisations. Finally, it would aim to provide access to quality data that is essential for measuring progress in improving outcomes for young children.
What the Strategy would involve
The proposed Commonwealth Early Years Strategy would involve a comprehensive package of targeted investments, policies, and reforms to strengthen the conditions in which Australian children grow and develop. This includes ensuring access to high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care, promoting strong and secure parent-child relationships, and building family capacity. It would also involve creating and supporting services and infrastructure that promote physical activity and healthy diets, including nutrition support, as well as early intervention services for children experiencing difficulties. The Strategy should also focus on addressing the disparities between urban and rural areas, and recognise the unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, who suffered disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, the Strategy should aim to create an equitable environment that promotes children’s social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, and lifelong learning. This means providing all Australian children with the opportunity to reach their full potential by accessing high-quality and affordable early childhood education, healthcare, housing, recreation, and other supports.
The latest report card into the wellbeing of Australian children by UNICEF Australia and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) has reinforced the need for a Commonwealth Early Years Strategy to improve outcomes for young children.
