Without support, kids like Tavish would miss out at school

Almost three-quarters of households with children living on low incomes or below the poverty line have sacrificed spending on their kids in the past year, a new report says. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading The research commissioned by the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) said 46 per cent of these households had been unable to buy necessary educational resources for their children, while the ability of all low-income households to meet living costs had declined year-on-year since 2022.

Given the rising cost of living, Illawarra woman Debbie said it would be very difficult to cover her grandson Tavish's education-related expenses without help, especially on a pension. But nine-year-old Tavish is among the nearly 3000 students in the Illawarra and Nowra area who receive support through the Smith Family's Learning for Life program, an initiative that offers financial assistance, programs and guidance for young people experiencing disadvantage to help with schooling . Tavish has been involved since he started kindergarten.



Debbie said the charity had made a "huge impact", helping with the costs of such education expenses as uniforms, excursions, school bags and other fees. "He doesn't have to worry about sticking out like a sore thumb in the playground," Debbie said. A report commissioned by the Smith Family earlier this year supported the NCOSS findings, with school excursions and digital devices among the costs most out of reach for families.

But one in four families also reported that they struggled to buy school lunches and snacks, and 35 per cent couldn't afford uniforms, bags and shoes. Without assistance, children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds often do not get the same education as their peers. The Smith Family says children who experience poverty already start school behind their peers and the gap only widens during their schooling years because they cannot access the resources and opportunities others can.

NAPLAN data has indicated that year 9 students from disadvantaged backgrounds are four and a half years behind in reading, and more than three years behind in maths, compared to more advantaged students. A Victoria University report from 2020 found the impacts of disadvantage persisted beyond school, with the most disadvantaged 24-year-olds much less likely to be engaged in education, training or work. "The mountain of evidence is clear - education is one of the greatest change agents in breaking the cycle of poverty," the Smith Family's general manager of NSW/ACT, Fiona Collucio, said.

Nationally the Learning for Life program supports more than 63,000 schools and the Smith Family recently received funding from HCF of just under a $1 million a year for three years, the equivalent of 1500 students in Learning for Life. Debbie said the Smith Family program should be available through all schools. "Every child deserves to learn without the stress of finance," she said.

Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.

Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.

More from Education Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis.

WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here.

WEEKLY Find out what's happening in local business. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp.

Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia.

Fresh daily!.