Increased funding in Budget 2018 still not enough for early childhood learning support

Education sector disappointed with the 1.6 per cent budget increase announced yesterday for early childhood funding.

Lynda Stuart, President of New Zealand Education Institute, says this is an ‘underwhelming’ result that has been long-awaited and does not address the ‘crisis in education’.

“A number of children have been waiting for some considerable time for support for their learning and behavioural needs.

“We’ve had a chronic underfunding for ten years, we don’t expect it to be solved in one budget, but we are disappointed,” says Ms Stuart.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an extra $21.5 million towards early childhood education, which enables thousands of young children to access learning support before starting school.

“As part of the Budget 2018, we are boosting the funding for early intervention services to ensure that nearly 8000 more children will receive extra support over the next four years,” says Ms Ardern.

She says a lack of funding has meant that far too many children have missed out on support for behavior, learning, speech and language.

Associate Minister for Education, Tracey Martin, says although this is a step in the right direction more needs to be done.

“Minister Hipkins and I know this is not enough, but we have fought for this funding and so many parents have been fighting for their children.

“We know success in school supports better outcomes later in life,” says Ms Martin.

Te Rito Maioha Chief Executive, Kathy Wolfe, says these increases do not address the other challenges the early childhood education sector is facing now.

Ms Wolfe says there is still a critical shortage of qualified teachers and neither have the classroom ratios improved or the teacher’s pay.

Ms Stuart also says, while it is great to see money go into early intervention, the support workers should be paid more.

“NZEI have been advancing a pay equity case for these people for quite some time.  We have seen no movement on that over the year,” says Ms Stuart.