Early Childhood NZ says Budget 2018 a small step

Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand says Budget 2018 a small step in the right direction

17 May 2018

Budget 2018 is a small step in the right direction for early childhood education, says Te Rito Maioha Chief Executive, Kathy Wolfe.

‘On behalf of the early childhood education sector, we thank the government for increased funding of $21.537m for early intervention services,’ says Ms Wolfe.

‘We are pleased by the significant increase of $130m to address the impact of growing demand for early childhood education.

‘While funding is still not comparable to the 2008 per child rate, the 1.6% funding increase for centre-based ECE services and ngā kōhanga reo is welcome.’

Ms Wolfe says Te Rito Maioha is disappointed that the Budget does nothing to address the severe shortage of qualified early childhood education teachers.

‘These increases will also not address the other challenges the early childhood education sector is facing now, such as the number of qualified teachers services can afford to employ, teacher to child ratios, group sizes, and teacher pay and conditions.

‘However, we hope that the outcomes of the Early Learning Strategic Plan, Workforce Strategy, Home-based Review, and other education reviews will ensure that Budget 2019 delivers something much more substantial for the early childhood education sector.’

© Scoop Media