Child Care News
Early Childhood on Stafford: Welcome to the school of life
Stuff NZ - Britt Mann - May 6, 2018There's something different about Early Childhood on Stafford, a preschool in a brick villa in central Dunedin. Whatever the weather, you'll find children outside exploring a handmade wonderland of slightly haphazard structures. The staff, a third of whom are men, are there to cheer...
Hawke's Bay educators join national movement for pay equity
NZ Herald - Astrid Austin - May 6, 2018Educators all over the country are joining a growing movement for action on pay equity and equality for women, with Fair's Fair Mana Taurite events today. People from all industries and professions are expected to attend the Hastings-based event, where a presentation to Hastings...
Preschool investigated after child death
Stuff NZ - Kirsty Lawrence - May 4, 2018An investigation into a preschool in Palmerston North has been launched after a child died. Ministry of Education deputy secretary sector enablement and support Katrina Casey said they were notified of the death on November 9, 2017. "We received a notification... that a child who attended...
ECE teachers need preventive education to avoid hazards
Scoop NZ - May 1, 2018ECE teachers need preventive education to avoid health hazard. The teachers of our youngest children are facing a constant but avoidable health hazard that does not get the national attention it deserves, health experts say. A report just released by the ChildForum national organisation...
Some schools and early childhood centres likely to close due to flooding in Bay of Plenty and Rotorua
TV NZ - April 30, 2018The Ministry of Education says parents should speak with their schools or centres directly to get the latest information. It is up to individual boards and managers to decide whether to close. A list will appear on the ministry's website later today...
Flexible work hours and working from home helps parents cope with childcare
Newshub - April 26, 2018The school holidays can be a nightmare for working parents. You either use up all your leave, or it's a logistical nightmare sorting out childcare. But a new survey shows some businesses are here to help. More than a third - 34 percent - allow staff to work away from the office...
Fifteen-year lease to Montessori centre
NZ Herald - April 21, 2018Weng says there has been considerable expansion in the demand and level of services for early childhood care education throughout New Zealand, reflecting not only the Government's focus on its value but also the increasing demand from parents for preschool care and education...
What's the hurry? Five-year-olds not in rush for school
Radio NZ - Emma Hatton - April 17, 2018More children than ever are staying on at pre-school after they've turned five, Ministry of Education data shows. In 2017, 2491 five-year-olds were enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) - a 17 percent increase since 2015. That is despite the total number of kids who turned five...
Proposed bill to restrict use of word 'teacher' would fine those not suitably qualified $2000
NZ Herald - April 15, 2018National education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye said the bill jeopardised many current teachers and early childhood teachers whose current qualifications and experiences fall outside of the criteria. She said it would affect thousands of people. "It has the potential to undermine and devalue...
ECE problems bigger than official figures show
Scoop NZ - April 13, 2018Problems in the early childhood sector run much deeper than official complaint figures indicate, an early childhood researcher says.Problems in the early childhood sector run much deeper than official complaint figures indicate, an early childhood researcher says. The Education...
Rotorua communities of learning reflect on successful first year
NZ Herald - Ziz Sparks - April 13, 2018Two Rotorua communities of learning say they've had success in their first year as the first survey into the communities' success shows mixed results nationwide. The Rotorua Central Community of Learning and the Eastern Rotorua Kahui Ako were established in early 2017...
One dead, 163 complaints upheld in tragic year for NZ childcare
NZ Herald - Simon Collins - April 12, 2018A Ministry of Education report has confirmed that 2016 was a tragic year for New Zealand's preschoolers, with one child dead and a record 163 complaints upheld against early childhood educators. Among a spate of accidents in November 2016, 4-year-old Aldrich Viju died on a slide at...
Early learning centre complaints released
NZ City - April 12, 2018Staff failing to report a claim of sexual abuse or call an ambulance for a child who broke their leg are among more than 300 complaints made against early learning centres. In another complaint, contained in a Ministry of Education report released on Thursday, a teacher was alleged to have...
Ministry of Education accused of 'putting commercial interests first' in early childhood education
NZ Herald - Simon Collins - April 9, 2018An early childhood advocacy group says the Ministry of Education is "putting commercial interests first" by delaying a report on complaints against early childhood services. Child Forum chief executive Dr Sarah Alexander says the ministry's annual report on complaints in early childhood...
Ministry of Education withholding complaints about early childhood centres 'tarnishes' industry, organisation claims
Stuff NZ - Adele Alfredo - April 8, 2018Hundreds of complaints of wrongdoing in early childcare centres have gone unreported by the Ministry of Education. The failure to release information about complaints "tarnishes" the industry's reputation and puts children's safety at risk, according to early childhood education...
