Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Report highlights risks of Government policies
Report highlights risks of Government policies for young children
A report showing that there is an increased risk for young children in full-time childcare highlights the risks of the Government’s “bums on seats” approach to funding early childhood education, says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President Louise Green.
In 2010 the Government froze funding and at the same time removed funding for 100 percent qualified teachers in ECE.
“Since then early childhood services committed to maintaining 100 percent qualified teachers have struggled and there has been a massive increase in private services that do not have 100 percent qualified teachers.”
The Brainwave report says that the quality of early childhood education is most important for those who are vulnerable but that vulnerable children are less likely to have access to it.
“We know quality ECE is crucial for young children and that poor quality ECE has cumulative and ongoing negative effects.”
“That’s why the Government needs to lift its funding freeze on early childhood education and reinstate funding for centres and kindergartens so that all teachers can be qualified.
“This shows the damage to children of a policy that has a quantitative target of having 98 percent of children in ECE but no provision or funding for ensuring quality.”'
The best indicators of quality ECE include qualified teaching, low teacher-to-child ratios and small group numbers.
NZEI also supports Sue Moroney’s private member’s bill to introduce 26 weeks paid parental leave so parents can choose to stay home with young babies.
ENDS
NZEI Te Riu Roa
New Zealand Educational Institute
NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.
We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.
We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
