Participation in early childhood education (ECE) can benefit children’s school readiness and can result in improved learning, reduced antisocial behaviours and possibly even improved health. This fact sheet presents information about the uptake of ECE in New Zealand since 2000 and provides specific information about Māori participation.

Key Facts

• Māori enrolments in ECE increased 19 percent between 2001 and 2008
• The proportion of Māori staff with an ECE qualification has increased in recent years
• Since 2005, more than a quarter of ECE services are provided using at least some te reo Māori as a medium for instruction