25 November 2009
Media Advisory

Tolley attempts to hide announcement on Early Childhood Education

The Ministry of Education today confirmed that the Government has axed the requirement for Early Childhood Education providers to work towards 100% registered teachers, says Labour ECE spokesperson, Sue Moroney says

“The decision was hidden in the ‘frequently asked questions’ section of an announcement by the Minister to delay the 80% requirement by two years,” Sue Moroney said.

"Labour introduced the timeline for achieving 100% qualified staff, after the education sector lobbied for the change saying it was an important step in improving educational outcomes for New Zealand children.

"This major policy shift is a complete surprise to the ECE sector who have not been consulted on the decision.

"The Ministry's ECE Advisory Council was not even aware of the decision, even though they were having their quarterly meeting with the Ministry the day before the Minister made the changes public.

“The Ministry today described the ECE Advisory Council as the main mechanism it uses to consult the sector.

“This is yet another example of Minister Anne Tolley making major changes that undermine the quality of the education of our children, without consulting parents, educators or providers.

"I don't consider a mention in the ‘frequently asked questions' section of the Ministry's website after the decision has been made to remotely represent consultation."

“In today's select committee hearing with the Ministry of Education said that fewer than 20 dispensations had been sought from ECE providers unable to meet the current requirement for qualified staff. There are around 4000 licensed providers in the ECE sector.

“This is another example of Anne Tolley not listening or consulting on issues of importance to the education sector,” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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