The survey released this week by the union for early childhood teachers, NZEI Te Riu Roa, says most respondents don’t believe the current government is steering the sector in a positive direction.

The Kōriporipo survey included parents with children in kindergarten, community-based services and private, for-profit services. It was released as part of the Week of Action for early childhood education.

When asked what was most important about choosing a service, parents said safety and wellbeing of their child. Second came skilled and qualified teachers. Other factors in the top five including convenience, affordability, and culture and language needs of children.

Parents support a cap on fees (of $10 per day) and support the establishment of a public early childhood system that is free to attend, just as schools are.

Fewer than 15 per cent of parents said the government’s FamilyBoost policy had made a difference, and only 3 per cent think the government is moving in the right direction with its policies for the sector.  

Here’s a link to the full report

Whānau Manaaki Parent and Board Member Rachel Graves spoke at the launch of the survey.