10. Early Childhood Education—Funding Per ChildCHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of EducationEarly Childhood Education—Funding Per Child10. CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of Education: What was the change in real terms in total annual Government funding per full-time equivalent child in early childhood education between 2009/10 and 2014/15 according to the data posted on the Education Counts website? Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Children) on behalf of the Minister of Education: I am advised that in real terms entitlement and equity funding to providers per full-time equivalent (FTE) child in 2009-10 was $8476 and in 2014-15 was $8486. This is an increase of 0.12 percent. As a Government we are focused on ensuring that all children get the best start to life by participating in quality early childhood education before attending school. This is particularly important for those young people most at risk. I am also advised that the total annual Government funding per FTE which includes things such as participation programmes is a difference of minus 1.67 percent.Chris Hipkins: Why did she not point out in her answer to the question on total Government funding per child for early childhood education that that figure has declined by $538 per child per year during the time period in question?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I quoted the figures that I was given on advice in answer to the primary question. However I would point out to the member that early childhood education funding has increased every year under this Government and that for every $1 a parent spends on early childhood education the Government spends approximately $4.80. Chris Hipkins: Does she believe that cutting more than $500 per child per year from total Government funding for early childhood education has made it easier or harder for parents to afford quality early childhood education for their kids?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I repeat: this Government has been focused on ensuring that all New Zealand children are able to readily access a variety of types of early childhood education. We have focused on ensuring that children are able to participate and we have increased the funding for early childhood education every year since we have been in Government. In fact by the year 2020 it will reach $2 billion that the taxpayers invest in early childhood education.Chris Hipkins: Is she aware that Statistics New Zealand data shows that parents have been forced to pay 25 percent more for early childhood education over the time period in question; if so does she think that is a sign that early childhood education is becoming more or less affordable under a National Government?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I am advised that early learning is 33 percent more affordable for parents and families than in June 2007. Chris Hipkins: Which is she more proud of when it comes to early childhood education: her Government's freeze on subsidies the corresponding massive increases in what parents are paying or her Government's removal of the requirement for 100 percent qualified teachers which saved it more than $200 million alone?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: This Government is proud of the fact that we have focused on ensuring that the most young New Zealanders get access to high quality early childhood education and that we target those who are most likely not to access early childhood education because we know—and the evidence is clear both nationally and internationally—that that gives them the very best start in life.