BRIMBANK children need access to more extra-curricular activities to speed up their development, according to a leading voice in social welfare.
A new Smith Family report found Brimbank pupils are the second-most-disadvantaged in Australia when it comes to out-of-school activities and internet access.
But Smith Family ‘Communities for Children’ project manager Margaret Rutherford said the organisation was working closely with Brimbank council to help vulnerable children begin their schooling life.
The study found about one in three children aged between five and 14 did not take part in any sport or cultural activities outside school hours in the past 12 months.
Brimbank is among 18 Victorian municipalities that fall into ‘second- most-disadvantaged’ category.
“Council is doing a good job in this area,” Mrs Rutherford said. “Its In2Sport program provides subsidies for children wanting to join sports clubs.
“It also runs sessions on raising children in a bilingual environment, while there are important holiday programs which allow kids to go on day trips.
“Experiences outside the home build speaking skills and confidence. It’s about simple stuff, like communication skills and general knowledge.”
Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) figures show 27 per cent of vulnerable five-year-olds in Brimbank start school behind on their development.
The study also revealed 36.7 per cent of children did not attend a cultural venue or event outside school hours, and 23 per cent did not have access to the internet at home in the previous 12 months.
Mrs Rutherford said that with AEDI figures showing almost 50 per cent of Brimbank adults living on less than $400 a week, and with 19.7 per cent of families headed by one parent, families needed more support.
“We need to support those who have the greatest influence on their children,” she said.
