Sue Moroney
Education Spokesperson

7 November 2011

Tolley hints at more ECE costs for families

The Minister of Education’s so-called “commitment” to retaining the universal access to 20 hours free care for three and four year olds has been revealed as a crock, Labour’s Education spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“During an election debate today Anne Tolley refused to guarantee that the current 20 hour subsidy would remain at the same level if National was re-elected.

“Labour introduced the 20 hours scheme so every child, regardless of circumstances, could benefit. The Government has already slashed funding to EC services where more than 80 per cent of teachers are fully qualified.

“Any further reduction in subsidies will only add to the rising costs of already hard-hit families, but parents face exactly that if National is re-elected,” Sue Moroney said.

“The focus of an early childhood education should not be on benefiting service providers but on ensuring the best possible outcomes for our kids.

“Families just can’t afford further cost increases. The result will be more children missing out on quality early education, more stress for parents, and, potentially, staff reductions.

Unlike National, Labour today confirmed it will be keeping the existing subsidy in place. Our kids deserve that,” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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