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Two new ERO reports have gone on the ERO website -  Positive Foundations for Learning: Confident and Competent Children in Early Childhood Services and Literacy in Early Childhood Services: Good Practice

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The Ministry has released its report to the incoming minister of education, which includes five pages on early childhood education and mentions a new funding system. Details are withheld under the Official Information Act.

Here's the link. www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/PolicyAndStrategy/~/media/MinEdu/Files/TheMinistry/PolicyAndStrategy/

Tuesday, 29 November 2011, 1:05 pm

Press Release: ChildForum

Early Childhood Education under a New National Government

The 2011 Election results mean we will see a government very similar to that which we have had over the past three years, but with National having a larger share of seats in the House and therefore, possibly, a stronger ability to do whatever it wants.

Early childhood education was not a key…

Here's National's ECE policy: 

Supporting early childhood education

Early childhood education (ECE) plays a valuable role in a child’s development. It is one of the greatest investments we can make in the future of New Zealand children.

That’s why National has increased spending on early childhood education by 40 per cent since 2008. Today, we spend $1.4 billion on early childhood education, the most ever. That’s almost as much as we spend on the entire Police force.

We…

edited and added to.

With nearly 35% of eligible voters (approximately the same number as voted for the largest party) choosing not to vote the lack of faith in our politicians seems to be huge.

I was disappointed by Labour and the Greens failling to fire up in the national media on education. The Governor General's car being stopped and many other issues that arose all fading to obscurity within the day from a lack of politicians getting in behind them effectively.Meanwhile…

Here's Labour's education policy: 

Sue Moroney - Education Spokesperson

Labour’s education policy recognises children and young people are New Zealand’s future and that…

Labour children's policy was announced yesterda and here's what NZEI had to say about it:

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says it is refreshing to see political policy which focuses solely on children and promotes the value of investing in quality early childhood…

Selling assets to invest in education, nice spin? Sounds like the minister wants to close small and rural schools, sell their grounds, and consolidate them in new larger grounds with privately owned buildings. One size fits all production line style education and a chance to shake up and get rid of some uncooperative teachers at the same time. I guess he needs the cash to pay for the redundancies, and other expenses. Meanwhile  I expect parents will end up paying a lot more in, school fees,…

Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/New Zealand Childcare Association has released its election manifesto.  Here it is:

The government has said there will be a new funding system for early childhood education. as part of its response to the ECE taskforce. It has also said it will keep 20 hours ECE.

It has set up two groups, and is calling for nominations to the groups, to focus on improving poor quality services and lifting quality for under twos.You can read more about these groups on the Ministry's website.

Here's what NZ Kindergartens had to say in response to the government's…

Here is more information about Kiddicorp buying all the ABC centres and making it a very large part of the ECE sector

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5687838/Kidicorp-defends-ABC-takeover

It is definately worth reading and thinking about

Nicki

The Herald reports that: "The Crown has been sent to mediation with the kohanga reo movement over allegations it breached the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Waitangi Tribunal met last week to decide whether the Kohanga Reo Trust's treaty claim should be heard urgently.

The trust believed breaches of the treaty, and said prejudicial policies from the Government, were "threatening the future of kohanga".

Supporters of the kohanga movement were concerned about the effects of a…

Day of Action:

The Coromandel Community Preschool took to the main street today to show their concerns over the Government cuts to Early Childhood Funding. This week many Early Childhood Services organised events around New Zealand to build public awareness of how the Government has reduced the funding and are proposing other adverse changes.

“Today we wanted to let our community know some of the issues we as a small community are likely to face, if the government continues to…

Here's a story from Hawkes Bay Today: 

Camberley Kindergarten combined Pasifika and politics when Tukituki MP Craig Foss visited the Early Childhood Education centre for the opening of a playground fale.



It followed a letter about funding cuts sent on behalf of the kindergarten's community.



The letter sent by the children, families, whanau, teachers and community of Camberley Kindergarten in July outlined funding issues affecting the centre and asked Mr Foss how…

Every Child Counts* is launching a new campaign to highlight the importance of adequate public and community investment in a child’s early years – the first 1000 days of life – by releasing a report that shows poor outcomes for children are costing the nation at least 3 percent of GDP, or $6bn per annum.  These costs are comprised of health, remedial education, justice and reduced productivity.

“It is recognised internationally that the first 1000 days are the most important phase of…

The ECE Taskforce Consultation has closed. NZEI Te Riu Roa put in a response on behalf of its more than 51,000 members, and put a press release out. Here's a NZE Herald report: 

Education Minister Anne Tolley is being urged to a take "an honest look" at Taskforce Report submissions before making any decisions that could affect the future of early childhood education (ECE).

Public submissions closed yesterday on the recently released Taskforce Report which made a number of…

The survey date is extended to 8 August. We would really like to hear from teachers who are not in professional leadership roles.

Thanks,

Kate

Wow! The day after The Big Push I'm still buzzing. What a fantastic event. Hundreds and hundreds of people turned out, surpassing our expectations. The energy was amazing. Although it was most definitely a protest the march and rally had a really positive feel. Last minute changes had to be made to…