This week Masterton West Kindergarten welcomed Labour MP's Kieran McAnulty and Jan Tinetti to kindergarten to discuss the Early Childhood Education Regulatory Review.

Head Teacher Debby Magee said:

 “It was a fantastic opportunity to show them around, share the heart of our teaching environment, and discuss our thoughts on the proposed Early Childhood Education sector review. We’re proud to be part of a sector that champions equity, inclusion and lifelong learning—and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have our voices heard.”.

Kaiako spoke about the importance of early childhood education as a public good and an investment in the wellbeing and future of our tamariki and whānau. They highlighted how qualified teachers are essential to delivering quality education, and how better teacher-to-child ratios, especially for our 2-year-olds, make a real difference. They also raised concerns about the ongoing underfunding of early intervention services, which are vital for supporting children’s development from the earliest stages.

The Masterton West team explained the MP's that strong regulations play a key role in ensuring safe, nurturing and enriching learning environments and highlighted the importance of small group sizes, sufficient space and the recognition of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori, alongside the celebration of all cultures within kindergarten communities.