Paula Bennett MP National Party
Associate Education Spokeswoman (Early Childhood)

5 May 2008

ECE licensing to be simplified under National

National will ditch the need for early childhood education centres to obtain a second licence if they cater for more than 50 children says National's Associate Education (Early Childhood) spokeswoman, Paula Bennett.

"It is nonsense that centres face this level of unnecessary bureaucracy. The double up on reporting, paperwork and ERO requirements is just ridiculous.

"We don't want 100 kids running around in a huge room falling over themselves, but there are sensible ways to ensure the space is well used without insisting on a second license.

"Labour's insistence that a centre must split itself in two and double up on all resources and play equipment just makes no sense.

"It is these kinds of ludicrous rules that typify this Government. They create a deluge of rules that weigh businesses down under a mountain of unnecessary paperwork.

"National will ensure that the safety of children is paramount in ECE centres with more than 50 children, but we will put measures in place that do not insist on two licences.

"Early childhood education should be about educating and caring for children in a safe and welcoming environment. It should not be about constantly struggling to administer endless and pointless regulations."

ENDS

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