New ECE centre for Christchurch

A new early childhood education centre, Kidsfirst Early Learning Centre, in Christchurch.

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Education Minister Trevor Mallard today opened a new early childhood education centre, Kidsfirst Early Learning Centre, in Christchurch.

The centre is the first all day service for Kidsfirst and has provided an opportunity for the Canterbury Westland Kindergarten Association to diversify into education and care services.

"This new centre will provide an important service to the Aranui community. Ensuring children get access to quality early childhood education is critical to positive educational outcomes in the future," Trevor Mallard said.

"This centre is a new venture for the association and it is great to see services being established that meet the needs of local families."

While opening the centre, Trevor Mallard noted that the centre has recently been awarded establishment funding of $30,000 to assist with the purchase of educational equipment.

"This extra funding is helping Kidsfirst Early Learning Centre get up and running, ensuring teachers have the opportunity to plan and set up the learning environment with quality equipment," Trevor Mallard said.

"Research shows that regular participation in early childhood education improves long term education results for children. Our government is committed to giving more of our youngsters the start they deserve by helping local communities to establish their own early childhood service.

"National has pledged to scrap our government's commitment to the 20 hours free policy meaning thousands of families and their children will miss out entirely. In stark contrast, Labour believes that every child needs quality education at this age as well.

"I have recently announced funding of $6.6 million through the Discretionary Grants Scheme which will create an extra 308 places for children at new and expanding early childhood education centres and will also help cover the planning costs for another 41 services.

"This funding reflects our government's commitment to make quality early childhood education more accessible and affordable for all New Zealand families," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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