Early Childhood Boost For South Auckland Applauded

Early Childhood Boost For South Auckland Applauded

Moves to establish a public network of early childhood facilities alongside schools in south Auckland, are being welcomed by the education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa.

It says the government’s announcement that it will spend nine million dollars over two years to build and develop nine new early childhood centres on existing school sites, is an exciting step for education and the community.

NZEI President Frances Nelson says it is pleasing to see the Labour-led government continuing to recognise and strengthen the public provision of early childhood services.

“Establishing this new network of facilities will create real opportunities for young children in an area where they are needed the most,” she says.

NZEI has strongly advocated for better access to early childhood education, particularly in areas such as south Auckland, where there is a desperate shortage of services. The 20 Hours Free policy has also fuelled demand.

“Early childhood education is vital to a child’s development and is the building block for their future learning. Linking these new services in with schools will remove time and travel barriers for families with both pre-school and school aged children, and ultimately encourage participation,” says Frances Nelson.

ENDS

© Scoop Media