Putting Children First

“Today yet another wave of change to early childhood education (ECE) comes into effect” said Amanda Couslton, Kindergartens Aotearoa (KA) spokesperson. “We now have new rules for licensing ECE services, and the change doesn’t stop there. Proposals to make teacher qualifications ‘flexible’ and changes to funding remain in the government’s sights.”

ECE was the first sector to come under scrutiny in 2024 when the government implemented its review of regulations. “The review shifted the focus of regulation from primarily being in the interests of tamariki to the interests of ECE service providers and business owners” Amanda said. “In announcing changes, the Minister for ECE David Seymour said the changes would make it ‘easier to do business’- reducing licensing requirements is part of that aim.”

Kindergartens Aotearoa is jointly hosting a one-day summit on 21 April to consider the problems created by the business-driven profit motive in ECE and a future where every child has access to high-quality learning environments.

The keynote speaker is Abigail Boyd, the New South Wales MP who sparked the ABC documentary series that exposed problems with the corporate sector operating in the ECE sector in Australia. A high level inquiry has taken place, and is due to report within weeks.

“It’s ironic that at the same time Australia is looking to strengthen quality standards and regulation in the interests of children, parents, teachers and educators, our government is taking us in the opposite direction.”

“As community-based, not-for-profit service providers we recognise regulations that cost us as service providers are those that benefit children and communities – qualified teachers, good ratios, and safety requirements. And that’s as it should be.”

Kindergartens have always been about high-quality, affordable education for all, with a commitment to 100 per cent qualified teachers. Amanda who is also CEO of New Zealand’s largest not-for-profit kindergarten association, Whānau Manaaki, says it’s well known what works for children and families.

“We know what creates the high-quality learning environments that our families want and deserve” she says. “It is services nestled in their communities, with skilled and knowledgeable teachers that respond to the needs of every child and family and respect their background language and culture.”

Kindergarten parents will be represented at the summit, speaking up to protect the high quality affordable not-for-profit service they enjoy in around 700 services around the country.

The summit brings together teachers, parents, experts, sector leaders and activists. Other speakers include: Riripeti Reedy, Emeritus Professor Paul Spoonley, Dr Ganesh Ahirao, Professor Linda Mitchell, and Dr Aroaro Tamati.

It is being held at Rydges Hotel at Wellington airport on Tuesday 21

© Scoop Media