New building for Ruawaro Playcentre

A playcentre in Ruawaro will be getting a new building for its early childcare education centre, with funding announced today.

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Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced that a playcentre in the rural community of Ruawaro, 12 kilometres west of Huntly, will receive extra funding of $60,000 for building renovations to improve the access to, and quality of early childhood education for children in Ruawaro.

"The new funding will allow the playcentre to operate from a permanent facility at Ruawaro School. The playcentre, which is licensed for 25 children aged 0 to 5, is currently operating a pack-away service in a community hall," Trevor Mallard said.

Modifications to a surplus classroom on the school site will ensure that children in the community will have access to dedicated and appropriate facilities that will enhance the delivery of quality early childhood education and also facilitate the transition to school.

"A permanent facility is likely to increase early childhood participation in the community as parents will not be required to set-up and pack-up equipment for children each time the centre operates," Trevor Mallard said.

"The funding for the new building is part of government's push to make quality early childhood education accessible for more New Zealand families."

"We know that early childhood education makes a significant difference to the way children develop and achieve later in life. Research also shows that access to quality early childhood education has the greatest benefits for children who are least likely to participate, including those from rural and isolated communities.

"The funding being made available to the playcentre in the Ruawaro community will strengthen education opportunities available in this rural community," said Trevor Mallard.

ENDS

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