[Greens-Media] Greens call for Rees govt to take sting from ABC Learning collapse

[John Kaye]

Greens call for Rees govt to take sting from ABC Learning collapse
 
Media release: 27 November 2008
 
The Greens are calling on the NSW Education Minister Verity Firth to open another 100 preschools attached to public schools to alleviate pressure created by the imminent closure of ABC Learning Centres.
 
Greens NSW MP John Kaye said: "With 386 ABC child-care centres on the brink of closure, the scramble for alternative places is placing massive pressure on community operators and families with young children.
 
"Parents are deeply concerned about the care of their children in the new year.
 
"One hundred new preschools attached to NSW public schools would provide relief for some families and help meet the demand as ABC centres are closed.
 
"While only catering to the 3 and 4 years olds, new preschools would reduce the number of children seeking places in surviving childcare centres.
 
"Minister Firth can take a lot of the worry away from many families by  doubling the number of public education preschools in NSW.
 
"If the new facilities are coupled with special purpose Out of School Hours Care, they will make a perfect substitute for long day care for the older preschoolers.
 
"The Minister should look closely at ABC Learning facilities in areas of the greatest socio-economic need. By taking them over and linking them to nearby public schools, disruption to parents will be minimised.
 
"An excellent staring point would be the ABC facilities attached to public schools. Many of these are operated as part of Public Private Partnerships that are looking increasingly shaky. 
 
"The educational benefits of preschools have never been questioned.
 
"State and federal government have talked for some time about the need for universal access to preschooling.
 
"Now is the time to put those words into action and take the pressure of parents and community childcare centres," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
----------------------------------
John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
web: www.johnkaye.org.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000