Kindergartens Support 20 Free Hours

Media Release from New Zealand Kindergartens Inc.

Most kindergartens will be opting into the policy to provide up to 20 free hours early childhood education for three and four year olds, to be introduced from July 1st this year.

Representatives met in Wellington yesterday (Thursday), with over 500 kindergartens nationwide opting to offer the free hours - however they are not happy with the rate of funding.

Representatives from 30 Kindergarten Associations, the umbrella organisations for 620 kindergartens, gathered to discuss the new policy. Karen Boyes, President of New Zealand Kindergarten Inc, said kindergartens cater for approximately 45,000 three to four year old children – almost half of the target group expected to benefit from the new policy.

She said the 20 free hour policy is in line with the Kindergarten Association philosophy of providing accessible and affordable quality early childhood education to all children.

"However, we believe the 20 free hours funding rate for sessional kindergartens is inadequate and we will continue to lobby the Ministry and the government to have this rate increased," she said. "We want to make the 20 free hours policy work for children and families, but it also has to work for Kindergarten Associations."

New Zealand Kindergarten Inc accepts and supports members decisions in regard to offering the 20 free hours.

ENDS

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