More Manukau East children participating in early childhood education (ECE)

Figures for the year ended September 2013 show the ECE participation rate for Manukau East children is now at 88.5 per cent, up from 85.4 per cent for the year ended September 2012.
“This increase in the number of children participating in ECE before school shows National’s firm focus on participation is getting real results,” List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said.
“Given the continued improvement we’ve seen in the number of children engaged in ECE, the Government has committed a further $53.8 million of contingency funding over four years.
“The funding was set aside to cover the costs of an increased number of children participating in ECE, so it is encouraging to see we now need it because participation is that much higher.
“National is committed to raising achievement for all kids. We have set an ambitious Better Public Service target for early childhood education that in 2016, 98 per cent of children starting school will have participated in quality early childhood education.
“We want all children to get the best possible start to their education. ECE helps children become confident, ready to engage, and eager to learn. It is a vital first step in their life-long education,” Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said.