How well are we raising our children?

A ground breaking study of West Australian 5-year olds has found that more than a quarter of the children have developmental difficulties that could have life-long impacts.

The research project was undertaken by Sally Brinkman and Dr Bret Hart at the North Metropolitan Health Service in collaboration with the West Coast and Swan District Education Offices and subsequently The Kids for Child Health Research.

The study surveyed teachers of more than 4300 pre primary students at 121 schools in the North Metro area of Perth.

Study collaborator Professor Sven Silburn from The Kids for Child Health Research said the results were cause for concern.

"The study has revealed that 26% of children in the north metropolitan area are 'vulnerable'on the Early Development Index with 13% at 'high risk.

"This would suggest that there is a significant need for early intervention strategies to help these children onto a positive path as they start school.

"Of particular concern were the results for Aboriginal students and those of non-English speaking backgrounds which show the effects of disadvantage can be seen very early in a child's life.

"The good news is that it is possible to do something about it - early child development programs work and, while some are happening, these results tell us that more are needed."

The study used the Canadian developed Early Development Index (EDI) to measure five developmental domains: social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, physical health and wellbeing, and communication skills/general knowledge.

It is the first time that the EDI has been used outside of Canada where it has generated significant government and community investment in early development projects.

Professor Silburn commended the report authors Sally Brinkman and Bret Hart for their initiative in developing the Australian study, He said the Index reflects how well a community is raising their children.

"We know that the first five years are a critical time in brain development and are really important in determining the life chances of any child.

"This type of information will help to identify the needs in a community and provides strong evidence for action and guides what measures are required".

 "Equally important, ongoing use of the Index will show any improvements and how effective the interventions have been.

The Institute is now working to develop the next stage of this study and have it incorporated as part of the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

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