Paula Bennett MP
National Party Associate Education Spokeswoman (Early Childhood)

8 March 2007

Auckland kindies say no to 20 free

The Auckland Kindergarten Association's decision to opt out of '20 free hours' until the Minister changes the policy makes perfect sense, says National Party Associate Education spokeswoman Paula Bennett.

"The Auckland kindies have today said they will not take on '20 free hours' until Education Minister Steve Maharey reviews funding rates and optional charges.

"This is no surprise and Steve Maharey will be livid that his promise to parents has been completely dismissed by such a large portion of the early childhood education sector.

"This association represents 107 kindies in wider Auckland, with 9,000 children attending every day - that's 10% of all 3 and 4-year-olds in New Zealand.

"The equation is simple. Why would they take on something that is going to see them worse off in the long run?

"The sector is not silly, Mr Maharey. They were quick to spot your flawed policy and they know that accepting it will see the standard of early childhood education drop dramatically as they struggle to make ends meet and deliver what you promised parents.

"This policy has divided and disheartened the sector, and utterly confused frustrated parents, most of whom are still not sure if they will be able to access the scheme four months out from its supposed roll-out.

"This scheme does not need more money thrown at it.

"What Mr Maharey must do now is admit defeat and go back to the drawing board so the very children who need to get into early childhood education are actually able to access it, and centres are able to provide it without being disadvantaged."

ENDS

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