Prioritising student wellbeing is critical in the next National School Reform Agreement, said Save the Children Australia today, with a new report released by an expert panel highlighting the need for a stronger focus on wellbeing, improved funding and greater equity across nation's education sector.
The leading child rights organisation supports the recommendations in the review published by the expert panel, led by Dr Lisa O'Brien, including prioritising investment in evidence-based approaches to improving wellbeing.
Wellbeing, engagement, and learning have been called the three pillars of quality education and are inextricably linked, with student wellbeing and engagement the foundations for successful learning, healthy development, and long-term life outcomes.
Matt Gardiner, CEO of 54 reasons, which delivers Save the Children's services in Australia, said the organisation welcomes the recommendations around enhancing wellbeing, funding and educational equity in the report, and emphasises the importance of a national approach when it comes to addressing student wellbeing.
"This latest report released by the expert panel provides a clear mandate for federal and state governments to prioritise student wellbeing in the next National School Reform Agreement, ensuring the education system is better and fairer for all students.
"All children have a right to education that is inclusive and meets their individual circumstances, that is why we have consistently called for a robust national measure of student wellbeing and engagement, combined with substantial investment in evidence-based support for students and schools.
"We know that lower wellbeing is linked to lower engagement in learning and worse educational outcomes. In order to adequately address student wellbeing, schools must be given the right support to ensure every child has the best chance of reaching their full potential.
"A meaningful national commitment to improving student wellbeing would provide funding and guidance for schools to access specialist school-based support and programs like our Hands on Learning program, to support student wellbeing and engagement."
