New Funding Rates Disappointing for Kindergarten

Media Statement

New Zealand Kindergartens Inc response to Hon Steve Maharey’s
Media Statement on the rates for 20 Hours Free.

New Funding Rates Disappointing for Kindergarten

The announcement of the funding rates to cover the Government’s new 20 Hours Free ECE policy for 3 and 4 year old children from 1 July 2007 has met with a mixed reaction from Kindergartens.

Kindergartens cater for half of the four year olds in Early Childhood Education. Karen Boyes President of New Zealand Kindergartens Inc is disappointed at the low funding rate for sessional kindergartens. Although the new funding will provide some relief from the need to collect donations from families, there is likely to remain a high reliance on fundraising and volunteer input in order to meet running costs.

Mrs Boyes said she was pleased that the government has announced the funding rate for the introduction of their 20 free hours policy for all 3 & 4 year olds earlier than previously indicated. “This will allow Kindergarten Associations more time to plan and decide whether they will offer 20 free hours and how they can implement it.”

Mrs Boyes said that the early childhood years are pivotal for children’s development. “The rates announced are ‘lean and mean’, and allow only for the absolute basics. Kindergartens will remain heavily dependant on fundraising and other assistance from the community to ensure that Kindergartens continue to provide high quality early childhood education that provides positive outcomes for children.

ENDS

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