More centralisation of education

The merger of the Early Childhood Development agency into the Ministry of Education deserves scrutiny, says National's early education spokesman Phil Heatley.

"Under the Labour Government the Ministry of Education has grown into a bureaucratic monster. This latest integration just continues the centralisation of bureaucracy.

"The merger shouldn't be used as an excuse to cut funding or divert attention from some of the big issues facing the sector.

"There are some big issues facing early childhood education. In particular, independent providers have been hugely disadvantaged by the Government's bias towards state-owned providers.

"National will be watching the merger like a hawk to make sure the early childhood sector isn't disadvantaged," said Mr Heatley.

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