An academic said the government needs to focus on access to food and adequate housing if it wants to combat learning barriers.

The Early Childhood Education Journal has published a paper which concludes the government policy of increased participation isn't enough to balance socio-economic barriers to learning.

Eastern Institute of Technology Lecturer and author of the paper Gillian Postlewaight said participation cannot be achieved without looking after other social aspects:

"Lack of a living wage and transport to and from the setting. All of these are not directly related to education by they impact on the child's ability to participate".

She said food, clothing, adequate housing, transport and the lack of a living wage need to be addressed first.