ECE Sector Leaders Partnership Welcomes Reform, But Raises Red Flags Over Potential Workforce Changes

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Leaders Partnership welcomes the Government’s recognition that the current regulatory system is outdated and overly burdensome.

“The announcement of reforms following the Ministry for Regulation’s review, is a step in the right direction,” says Jill Bond, CEO of New Zealand Kindergartens. “Particularly the move toward reducing unnecessary compliance costs, eliminating duplication, and introducing more proportionate enforcement tools.

“However, as always, the devil is in the detail, and we have not been privy to the decisions that have been made,” says Ms Bond.

“We remain concerned about the lack of information about Review Recommendation 10,” says Kathy Wolfe, CEO of Te Rito Maioha. “And we are troubled by the reference in the Minister’s release about changes in the Education and Training Amendment Bill. Potentially, this could open the door to a dilution of the qualified teaching workforce, and any move away from a system underpinned by qualified, registered teachers is a direct threat to the quality of education and care tamariki deserve.”

“The evidence and research is unequivocal,” says Cathy Wilson, CE of Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand. “Investing early in a child’s learning and development delivers enormous benefits for individuals, whānau, and society. A qualified teaching workforce is critical to realising these long-term gains and ensuring tamariki are given the strongest possible start in life.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

“Furthermore, social investment in early childhood education is pivotal to the success of future generations. High-quality, teacher-led ECE not only supports better educational outcomes but also contributes to social cohesion, workforce readiness, and long-term economic resilience,” says Mrs Wilson.

Kelly Seaberg for Advocates of Early Learning Excellence agrees with the need for regulatory reform and supports changes that create a more enabling environment for ECE. “The reforms must put the wellbeing and safety of children first and foremost, while upholding professional standards. Clearer regulations, improved transparency, and a stronger, more mature working relationship with regulators will ensure that the necessary regulations relate to quality outcomes for tamariki”.

“The Partnership will strenuously defend the role of qualified teachers as essential to delivering high-quality education and supporting learning outcomes. A qualified workforce is not a luxury - it is the foundation of a strong, evidence-based ECE system that supports tamariki, whānau, and communities,” says Mrs Seaburg.

“We call on the Government to engage meaningfully with the sector,” says Ms Bond. “This must occur before the legislative and regulatory changes proceed. We must ensure that reforms enhance - not erode - the professionalism, safety, and integrity of early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. If the Minister is serious about meaningful and appropriate change, he should engage with the sector immediately.”

Note:

Recommendation 10: Allow greater flexibility in workforce qualifications to support access and quality across all areas and service types.

• Develop options to make qualification requirements more flexible, particularly for services in rural and lower socio-economic areas, Māori and Pasifika services, and home-based services, and
• Amend regulations to provide for new flexibility in the qualification requirements.

© Scoop Media