Hon Tau Henare MP
National Party Associate Education Spokesman

13 October 2006

Continuing problems with Teachers Council

The early childhood education sector is continuing to suffer because of problems with the New Zealand Teachers Council, says National’s Associate Education spokesman, Tau Henare.

“Recently, a glitch in the Council’s new registration database meant that many teachers were not informed of re-registration requirements, as has been the practice for many years,” says Mr Henare, who has responsibility for early childhood education.

“The lapsing of registration of so many teachers will have an impact on the funding that early childhood centres can claim. The system has failed and now early childhood centres will pay the price.

“It’s ridiculous that the Teachers Council cannot exercise some kind of discretion so that centres in this situation are not adversely affected.

“This problem, along with continuing registration delays, means that unnecessary bureaucratic requirements are stifling the ability of the early childhood sector to quickly adapt to the needs and demands of children and parents.

“National believes in a more flexible system and would work to recognise a broader range of qualifications and experience for early childhood education. The registration requirements imposed on the sector by this Labour Government are pointless and contribute very little,” says Mr Henare.

ENDS

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