Our Head of Policy and Programs, Wendy Field, said the home learning environment was a bigger factor in a child’s ability to succeed at school, than a family’s financial status.
"Students with parents who are engaged in their learning and development, no matter what their income or background, are more likely to do well at school and take up higher education,” Ms Field said.
"However there are thousands of Australian parents who are unsure how to engage with their children in literacy and numeracy activities".
Parental engagement across a child’s life was important to a child’s success at school.
“This is even more important for children in financially disadvantaged families whose educational attainment can be the enabler for them to break out of disadvantage,” Ms Field said.
The Smith Family works closely with the families of students it supports and encourages parents and carers to be actively involved with their child’s education. It offers a range of programs that promote parental engagement, including:
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Learning for Life: Engages parents in a long term focus on their children’s attendance at school.
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Let’s Read and Let’s Count: Helps strengthen parents’ skills and confidence to support the learning of pre-school aged children.
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School Community Hubs: Helps build the capacity of schools and communities to support parents to become more involved at school.
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Tech Packs: Provides families with digital support, including equipment and training.
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Financial Literacy programs: Help parents make more informed decisions about the management of their finances.
To read the full column featured in the Canberra Times, click here.
