22 November 2002
New member of Education Forum broadens policy base
The Education Forum is pleased to welcome the chief executive of the Early Childhood Council, Sue Thorne, as a new
member.
Chairman John Morris said early childhood was a vital part of the education sector and Mrs Thorne’s membership would
help broaden the Education Forum’s educational policy base.
“Studies show that the earlier children start learning the greater the social benefits that accrue and we look forward
to having Sue on board to help the Forum offer best-practice strategies for the future of all New Zealand education,” Mr
Morris said.
The Early Childhood Council represents around 800 independent private and community-based education and care providers,
with about 40,000 children and 5000 staff.
The Forum’s membership is currently drawn from the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of education, together with
leaders of industry and commerce.
Mr Morris said that widening the Forum’s membership was a strategic move to help encourage debate and foster innovation
across all areas of education and training.
He said that the Education Forum would be looking at a further expansion of the membership in the new year.
ENDS