Promising start for 'free ECE' policy

2 July 2007
Media Release - for immediate release
From NZ Childcare Association

Promising start for 'free ECE' policy

The early take up of free early childhood education shows a high level of commitment from services despite the complexity of this policy and the implementation challenges it poses.

"This is a landmark day for ECE in New Zealand. We must celebrate the fact that over 65,000 3-and-4 year olds are receiving free ECE starting today," said Nancy Bell, Chief Executive of NZ Childcare Association.

The report published by Education Minister Steve Maharey this morning shows that 62% of all eligible early childhood education services opted in benefiting 70% of 3 and 4 year olds in New Zealand.

"We have been confident that the early figures would be encouraging based on our member surveys. Of those who responded, 78% had opted in and a further 9% were still deciding," said Nancy. "While higher than the overall national figures, this is not surprising as the majority of our members are community-based and nationally, community-based services have had a 75% take up rate. In addition, over 70 of our privately-owned member centres have also opted in."

Despite the lack of confidence expressed by some critics, 'free 20 hours' has the support of almost two thirds of the sector who recognize the benefits of providing free early childhood education for children before they start school.

"The majority of our members have told us from the outset that they wanted to support this policy because of the benefits for children and families," said Nancy.

The report shows that Auckland region has the lowest take up rate of only 50% compared to other regions. This region has over 900 services that cater to 33% of the total 3 and 4 year olds.

"It is a pity that the Auckland region has been the slowest to opt in. However, there has been a great deal of negative publicity in Auckland and this has taken its toll. Clearly, there is further work to be done if this policy is to become a reality for half of Auckland's 3 and 4 year olds,"said Nancy.

"We will continue to monitor the implementation of this policy as it rolls out and work with the Ministry to address issues or anomalies that emerge," said Nancy.

Te Tari Puna Ora O Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association has been promoting high quality early childhood education since 1963. The Association has 450 community and privately-owned member centres nationwide.

ENDS

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