A Wellington early childhood center manager expresses concern that vital safety regulations for children might be at risk of removal due to a government review. The Regulation Ministry’s examination, initiated by Minister David Seymour, targets the early childhood sector, citing an overabundance of rules leading to increased wait times and prices.
Megan White, manager of Capital Kids early childhood center, stressed the importance of these regulations in ensuring children’s safety. She questioned the necessity of their removal, emphasizing that they address crucial issues within the sector.
White highlighted the challenges faced by early childhood workers in managing paperwork due to staffing shortages, suggesting that addressing these issues, such as staff-to-child ratios and proper funding, would enable better compliance with safety regulations.
She emphasized the significance of these regulations for both children and staff safety, expressing apprehension at the prospect of their swift removal without sector consultation.
White attributed some sector support for the review to worker burnout caused by excessive paperwork demands due to insufficient staffing.
Regarding parental support, White noted that parents rely on these regulations to ensure their children’s safety while in childcare.
Contrary to the belief that removing regulations would reduce childcare costs, White argued that the key to affordability lies in fee caps, adequate funding, and eliminating profit motives.
She urged David Seymour to seek input from the sector before making any regulatory changes.
In response, NZEI national secretary Stephanie Mills criticized the Ministry for Regulation’s focus, arguing that children’s well-being and educational quality should be the primary considerations.
While Minister Seymour announced plans to address funding issues separately, Kathy Wolfe, chief executive of Early Childhood Education New Zealand, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review to improve both cost and quality in the sector.
