The Government’s plans for the early childhood sector could lead to more harm to children than good.

“Proposing to loosen rules to the bare minimum, where workers might not be recording nappy changes, bottle charts, and minor accidents could cause more harm than good,” Labour early childhood education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

“I’ve been hearing from teachers and parents who are fearful of what these changes could mean for their kids and the dangers of leaving centres to devise their own rules.

“One teacher spoke of accidents going through the roof if these changes are approved – that centres would become crowded and chaotic without structure or format.

“Reducing reporting requirements, in combination with the government’s decision to move away from pay parity for early childhood teachers and diluting qualifications for new teachers is a recipe for disaster.

“Christopher Luxon has already cut women’s pay, insulted our nurses, and is now further eroding away at our teachers’ pay and conditions.

“This is yet another example of the Government putting the profits ahead of what is best for New Zealand kids,” Jan Tinetti said.

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