8 April 2002

Green Party Education spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street today welcomed the Government's decision to pledge $10 million to promote early childhood education to families who do not send their preschoolers to class.

"Early childhood education is crucial to a child's development. Education in the initial years of childhood will greatly assist learning later in life," he said.

"Ministry of Education statistics show overall participation in preschool education is high for three to four year olds. However around 32 percent of Maori and 20 percent of Pacific Island four year olds do not take part in preschool at all.

"We need to do better in these areas. The decision to identify and assist those communities with low early childhood education attendance is a positive step towards improving these statistics.

"We congratulate and support the Government for this education focused initiative."

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