8. ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tāmaki) to the Minister of Education: What steps will the Government take to reduce red tape for creches in gyms and shopping malls?

Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) : This year we will introduce an amendment to the Education Act to remove the requirement for creches in shopping malls and gyms to comply with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations. We know that parents expect short-term childcare centres at shopping malls and gyms to provide a babysitting service rather than an education, and this Government trusts parents to make good decisions for their children.

Allan Peachey: What will these changes mean?

Hon ANNE TOLLEY: When the Education Act is amended, services in gyms and shopping malls that fit the criteria will no longer have to comply with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations. The criteria are that no child attends for more than 2 hours a day, and that a parent or caregiver is on hand and is able to resume responsibility for a child at short notice. Centres can still choose to become licensed if that is what they want.