Half of Northland’s pre-schoolers will miss out

Half of Northland’s pre-schoolers will miss out on ‘20 hours free’

More than half of the early childhood centres north of Auckland will not be eligible for the Government’s ’20 free hours’ scheme, says National’s Associate Education spokeswoman, Paula Bennett.

Figures released through written parliamentary questions show there are 171 early childhood education centres north of Auckland, but of those 94 are non teacher-led and will not be able to offer ‘20 free hours’.

“Again, it looks like the Minister is promising something he can’t deliver.

“Steve Maharey went on television and told parents that accessing their ’20 free hours’ would be ‘simple’. Parents would simply walk into their nearest centre and ask for their ’20 free hours’.

“Parents have been fed an empty promise.

“In Northland alone we can see 94 of the 171 early childhood education centres won’t even be able to offer ’20 free hours’ because they are not teacher-led services.

“Where does that leave those children and parents? Will they have to travel far and wide to find a centre able to offer it? Will these children simply miss out?

“It doesn’t matter which way you spin this Mr Maharey, it is clear that all 3 and 4-year-olds will never be able to access this scheme.

“You promised parents a scheme which you can never deliver.

“It’s time to front up, admit you got it wrong and take this scheme back to the drawing board.”

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