A review into the early childhood education sector by the new Ministry of Regulation has the support of centre owners - but others are wary of a reduction in standards of education, and health and safety requirements. This review comes amid fears more teachers will depart the ECE sector and growing waitlist for childcare places. OECD research shows couples in New Zealand pay 37 per cent of their income towards childcare while the sector is increasingly dominated by large providers. Simon Laube from The Early Childhood Council, which represents around 1300 centres and their owners, joins Kathryn. Also joining the show is Susan Bates from support network The Teachers Advocacy Group, and Camille Furnandiz, a spokesperson for the Parents Council - an interest group with 800 members.
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