Taskforce on Early Childhood Education

Background

The earliest years of a child’s life are of vital importance to their development, wellbeing and success in later life. Government recognises the value of early childhood education, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Early childhood education provides a solid foundation for future learning, and can contribute to success in compulsory and post-compulsory education.

Government has made significant additional investment in in recent years. This investment is not reaching all the neediest children and families, but is benefiting many children who already have the opportunity for a strong start in their education. Costs to Government are continuing to rise, but with no guarantee of improved outcomes for learners in return.

Current policies have contributed to improvements in participation in early childhood education, but there remains a group who are not benefiting. Government is committed to raising the participation of those children who currently do not benefit from early childhood education.

Role and Scope

The role of the Taskforce will be to:

a. undertake a full review of the value gained from the different types of government investment in early childhood education in New Zealand

b. consider the efficiency and effectiveness of Government’s current early childhood education expenditure, and ways that this might be improved, particularly for Māori, Pasifika, and children from low socio-economic backgrounds

c. develop new ideas on innovative, cost effective and evidence-based ways to support children’s learning in early childhood and the first years of compulsory schooling

d. make recommendations to Government about proposed changes to funding and policy settings for early childhood education, and their costs, benefits and risks, and

e. consider how to achieve its recommendations without increasing current government expenditure.

The Taskforce will be independent from Government.

In performing its role, the Taskforce should identify a desired future state for early childhood education in New Zealand over the next three to five years, and the broad mechanisms that could support that aim.

The Taskforce should focus on an integrated system of education and care, the primary purpose of which is children’s learning (although it may contribute to other social, health, whānau ora and labour market outcomes (particularly for women), as well as long-term productivity and economic growth).

The Taskforce should consider how this system contributes to education success in schooling and later life. It should also be mindful of Government’s objectives around education success for Māori and Pasifika learners, the status of Ka Hikitia – Managing for Success and the Pasifika Education Plan as key strategies for these populations, and the prime importance of provision which recognises language, culture and identity as key for increasing participation in early childhood education and improving learner outcomes.

The Taskforce should consider the needs of children with disabilities, and ensuring children with complex learning needs have the opportunity to access early childhood education.

The Taskforce should consider opportunities for health, whānau ora and social development services to contribute to improved outcomes for children, particularly those in priority groups, through or in conjunction with early childhood education.

The taskforce should consider this in the context of other key government strategies, such as Drivers of Crime and Transforming Family and Social Services.

Process

The Taskforce will meet to consider preparation of a report covering the areas above, to be made available in April 2011. To support this goal, it may wish to:

a. consider information about the current funding and policy settings for early childhood education in New Zealand

b. consider current data on early childhood education in New Zealand, and national and international early childhood education research

c. hear evidence from experts and interested parties, and

d. conduct visits and fact-finding activities.

Responsibility of Members

Members

a. must act in the interests of all stakeholders including children and parents, and

b. should not represent any particular organisation or voice.

Members of the Taskforce will provide a breadth of perspectives. Views expressed by members will not be taken as being those of their employer.

Confidentiality and Official Information

Advice provided by members of the Taskforce will be treated in confidence. Members will not disclose any confidential information or material provided to the Taskforce by officials.

The Official Information Act 1982 will apply without exception to the activities of the Taskforce. The Chairperson will be responsible for ensuring that members are aware of the provisions of the Act, and the extent to which written material from meetings is discoverable under it.

All media statements from the Taskforce will be made by the Chairperson. Members will not make independent statements to the media regarding the work of the Taskforce without the express permission of the Chairperson.