Significant change in ECE requires significant investment

2 October 2015
For immediate release

Significant change in ECE requires significant investment

A report released today recommending significant changes to early childhood education will require significant investment to make real gains for the youngest New Zealanders, says NZEI Te Riu Roa.

The Advisory Group on Early Learning report contains a series of recommendations that could represent a major overhaul of early childhood education but which will require a major funding boost, said NZEI Te Riu Roa National Executive member Virginia Oakly.

“We welcome many of the recommendations of this report, which are focused on ensuring quality ECE and improving transitions for our youngest learners, “ said Virginia Oakly. “Whether these recommendations come to life from this report in a market-driven early childhood education system remains to be seen.”

“Our kindergartens and ECE centres are facing a funding crisis due to a government driving up participation at the expense of quality. Per-child funding is inadequate and quality community centres and kindergartens are feeling a severe pinch.”

“Good initiatives such as increased non-contact hours and a greater focus on special educational needs will have to be backed up not only with dollars but also with a move away from market-driven provision.”

Virginia Oakly said that NZEI Te Riu Roa will be working with services and government to ensure the best aspects of this report are implemented and resourced. She also thanked the NZEI members who contributed to this major report.

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