Sue Moroney
Early Childhood Education Spokesperson

2 June 2010 Media Statement
Tolley tries to play the blame game

Education Minister Anne Tolley today attempted to shift the blame for the effects of her Government's funding cuts to early childhood education onto ECE providers, says Labour Spokesperson for Early Childhood Education, Sue Moroney.

"It is outrageous that the Minister told Parliament she had no responsibility for decisions which her funding cuts have now forced onto early childhood education services and families.

"The Minister needs to stand up and take responsibility for any increased costs, reduced quality or changes to centre hours that come about because of the decision she made to cut funding,” said Sue Moroney.

“The Living and Learning Family Centre in Mangere has advised the Minister that their families face an increase of $20-$25 per child per week as a result of the funding cuts.

"98% of the children in that centre are Maori and Pasifika and some families have three or four children there, so their costs will increase by $60-100 per week.

“Prime Minister John Key officially opened the centre last year, but now he wants them to reduce the number of qualified staff they have.

"The message from the Government is that it’s OK to have 100% qualified staff in areas where parents can afford to pay more, but low-income areas should accept a second-rate service.

“It appears that the Government sought no advice on the potential costs to families before it decided to cut the funding and now that it is becoming evident that costs will increase, they are ducking for cover,” Sue Moroney said

ENDS

© Scoop Media