Proposed ECE Changes Put Children At Risk

Proposed Changes to Early Childhood Regulations Will Put Children at Risk

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa has been asked to provide more detail about how children’s interests can be safeguarded, following its submission on proposed law changes to early childhood licensing standards.

The Education and Science Select Committee has been hearing submissions on the Education Amendment Bill (Number 2) Removal of Early Childhood Education regulatory requirements for limited attendance centres such as gym crèches.

NZEI, which represents early childhood teachers and support staff, argues that children will be put at risk if early childhood regulations are removed for some services.

NZEI President Frances Nelson says the proposed bill would remove a number of safeguards for children. There would be no requirements for first aid training or police vetting of staff, no restrictions on adult:child ratios, no limits on numbers attending, and no regulations regarding food handling and sanitation procedures.

“Our members who work in early childhood services know very clearly the risks that there are to small children from accidents and infection. We are concerned that their welfare has been overlooked in this legislation.”

NZEI, as an organisation that promotes quality early childhood education, wants legislation which ensures that all services are delivering care and education together in a setting with qualified teachers.

At the very least it believes there should be legislative requirements to protect children’s physical and emotional safety.

Ms Nelson says some committee members were interested in NZEI’s concerns, and in making changes to provide better safeguards for children.

ENDS

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