All Wellington kindys now offer 20 hours free

14 November 2007

Every kindergarten in Wellington is now offering the Labour-led government’s 20 hours free early childhood education, says Labour MP Charles Chauvel.

"Around 4,372 three and four year olds enrolled at teacher-led early education providers in Wellington* are now benefiting from this visionary policy just four months after it was launched," said Charles Chauvel.

"Across the areas covered by Wellington City Council, 121 early childhood services now offer 20 hours free, saving local families up to $4500 a year per child, and boosting access to early childhood education for the families.

"In terms of government funding, this is worth around $4.5 million."

Nationally, the policy helps 76,924 children at more than 2000 centres, with 72 per cent of eligible teacher-led services now offering 20 hours free – an increase of 10 per cent since the policy was launched on 1 July.

"We know that a child who attends early childhood education has a much better chance at succeeding in school and later in life," said Charles Chauvel.

"This policy represents a milestone for our education system. This government recognises the importance of funding public education from the age of three.

"Only the Labour-led government is committed to delivering 20 hours free early childhood education a week to three and four year olds."

Forty-four Kohanga Reo have also decided to opt in, and more are getting ready to come on board.

Kohanga Reo with qualified kaiako leading day to day learning, are eligible to offer the policy, boosting participation for Maori children.

ENDS

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