Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Education Policy | Post Primary | Preschool | Primary | Tertiary | Search

 

ECE sector has high hopes for new government - ECNZ

ECE sector has high hopes for new government - ECNZ

20 October 2017

The formation of a new coalition government today is welcomed by Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ). Labour, New Zealand First and the Green Party all promised to increase investment in quality early childhood education (ECE) in their pre-election manifestos.

“The close similarity in policy between Labour, Greens and NZ First raises hopes that ECE will finally begin to make up some of the ground lost over the last decade,” said ECNZ Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe.

“All three parties are committed to restoring the target of 100% qualified teachers in ECE centres. This is a vital step towards raising educational achievement in New Zealand and we hope that the new government takes that step immediately. There is no reason not to.”

The three coalition partners also signalled agreement on improving the ratio of teachers to infants and toddlers in ECE centres.

“The previous government increased funding only to cover increased participation in ECE,” said Kathy Wolfe. “This meant no effective increase in the per-child hourly rate of funding since 2008. It is essential that the new government restore per-child funding levels as well as invest in teachers.

“Education starts at birth, not at 5 or 6, and New Zealand needs to invest more in the early years now in order to see benefits in the years to come.

“We are also interested to see what consensus has been reached on tertiary student funding to reduce the debt burden on those wishing to train as teachers and their ability to upskill throughout their careers to maintain the high standards required of this profession.

“Finally, we will continue to advocate strongly for pay parity for ECE and Primary teachers and look forward to engaging with the new government to address this issue as a matter of urgency,” Kathy Wolfe concluded.

ECNZ looks forward to working with the new government to ensure that early learning matters.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.