Latest news with #JillBond
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire parking review finds further review needed
Should another report be ordered, to consider variations in parking charges and inconsistencies including why there are no charges in some towns, it will be the third in five years, commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council. Usk councillor Tony Kear said he couldn't understand why a further review is necessary following the most recent, a 309 page tome produced by consultants AtkinsRealis. The Conservative said: 'I don't know how much this report cost but I find it astonishing the result is to say you've not got enough data and we've got to revisit it. I struggle to understand why a report is being presented, and why it was initiated, without the correct analysis required to produce a result. 'It seems to me this is now going to have to cost the council more money to get more analysis on car park usage and I struggle to understand that.' Labour member for Caldicot West End Jill Bond told the council's place scrutiny committee which considred the review: 'I'm quite surprised we didn't have this level of information before.' Council regeneration manager Daniel Fordham said had the authority requested that level of data when the report was commissioned there would have been an additional cost at that point and he said it didn't know it would need the additional information. He said the council needed to understand what data it requires 'to make an informed decision about a charging strategy.' AtkinsRealis were commissioned in 2024 to review Monmouthshire's parking services including car park usage patterns and pay and display sales trends. It was also asked to make recommendations for improved or amended charges, assessment of enforcement functions and capacity, how additional responsibility for enforcing pavement parking expected later this year will impact it, use of technology and benchmarking against neighbouring local authorities. The council said the work would build on a strategy commissioned from Capita in 2020 which set out the council's policy framework for managing parking. The latest review found a lack of consistency in existing parking charges, and changes to the local context since the existing structure was introduced in 2014 but said the data needed for a specific recommendation isn't yet available and a further review of existing car park use is required. The report has also said as well as supporting the local economy, encouraging sustainable travel and reducing reliance on private vehicles, facilitating parking and reducing competition between towns the parking stragegy should recognise the importance of revenue from parking to meet the costs of providing facilities, enforcement and contribute towards highways and transport services. As a result the council's Labour-led cabinet will be recommended that it keep the existing charging structure in place until it has the results of the further review.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Distress caused by Monmouthshire care at home changes
New domiciliary care contracts were announced earlier this year as part of a major shake-up in which a council moved from having six firms providing care to people in their own homes to using only three providers. The revamp also saw the south of Monmouthshire split into three areas with firms awarded contracts for either Chepstow and Tintern, Caldicot or The Levels including Magor. Labour councillor Jill Bond said Caldicot, Portskewett and Sudbrook had been worst hit by the changes as Magor-based Lougher Home Care lost contracts in those areas, and is now only the provider for The Levels. She said some of society's 'most vulnerable' hadn't felt consulted over the changes and only found out their carers would change after the decision had been made. The Caldicot West End councillor told the council's social services chiefs and officers from procurement body Ardal: 'There was no representation for those people who perhaps only see a carer four times a day. 'People I've spoken to say there has been lots of distress, I'm sure that wasn't your intention but that is what happened.' Officers were appearing before a special meeting of the council's performance and overview committee to look at how contracts were awarded after the full council, in April, ordered a review due to the fallout with clients unhappy at losing carers and workers opposed to moving to new employers. At the time the procurement process began in July last year the county council had to meet 2,801 hours of care for 191 people in south Monmouthshire. It had written to those affected but only received 45 responses and Cllr Bond said many only found out when told by their carers. She said: 'They are not able to open their mail.' Portskewett Conservative Lisa Dymock said: 'Just 45 replies and only five individuals attending a focus group should have raised a red flag.' She wants the department to involve local councillors when it runs the process for moving care contracts in central Monmouthshire, later this year, and the north of the county to the new structure of block contracts. Social services director Jane Rogers said it was an 'oversight' on her part a proposed decision report on the new structure was added to the cabinet's forward planner late which could have given backbench councillors the opportunity for 'pre-decision scrutiny' before being considered by cabinet in May 2024. Ms Rogers said the council had three key objectives in moving to block contracts with one provider for each area, instead of using a wider range of firms and buying care packages on an ad hoc basis, which were to commission high quality care, to maximise cost effectiveness and to improve and standardise terms and conditions for care workers. The committee was also told contracts could be for up to eight years, with payment upfront, which the council believes will allow care agencies to offer more stable employment. Officers also outlined the procurement process including why inspection reports didn't form part of the process, which they said would penalise new entrants but firms were able, and encouraged, to provide case studies to demonstrate their experience and quality. Councillors also questioned why testimonials couldn't be provided for evaluation and Ms Rogers said legal advice would need to be taken on whether those could be included in future procurement exercises. Officials said quality and pricing were judged separately before being looked at together with a final decision made on a 60 per cent quality and 40 per cent price basis to award contracts to the 'most economically advantageous' bidder in line with legislation. The committee will provide the council's Labour-led cabinet with notes on the hearing while a wider review of the council's procurement process, also ordered by the full council, is still to be conducted.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Will The ECE Funding Review Sacrifice The ‘Quality' In New Zealand's Quality ECE Or Deliver A Balanced Recommendation?
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Leaders congratulate those appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) leading the Government's comprehensive review of ECE funding. 'Sector leaders have been asking for this review for years, and we are excited that funding and an appropriate time frame have been put in place,' says Jill Bond, CEO of New Zealand Kindergartens. This expert Group has been tasked with one of the most significant responsibilities facing the ECE sector in a generation, to review how Government investment can better support quality educational outcomes for children, improve affordability and access for families, and ensure that services are sustainable, equitable, and fit for the future is critical to success.' 'We welcome the Group's strong mandate to explore options that uphold the purpose of ECE by supporting all childrens' development enabling participation in the workforce. The funding system is broken and we're pleased to see a review starting.' 'At the heart of this mandate sits the need to preserve and enhance access to high-quality, teacher-led services, that is the cornerstone of New Zealand's early childhood education system,' says Kathy Wolfe, Chief Executive of Te Rito Maioha. 'Up till now, the Government-mandated changes to the sector have been focused on keeping services operating while potentially risking the quality education and care that directly impacts our tamariki. We hope the MAG takes careful consideration of the factors inherent in quality ECE especially as Minister Seymour is quoted as saying the review would ensure families had better access to affordable services. What the sector needs to hear from the outset is that word 'quality' from the Minister when talking about education, not just cost savings.' 'ECE Sector leaders welcome the inclusion of for-purpose community-based and not-for-profit ECE expertise within the MAG, but there are some concerns that there is no Māori and Pasifika experience. The consultation process will need to be carefully planned to capture these voices. While we acknowledge the importance of ensuring ECE is affordable, the Government's Budget 2025 decision to fund the sector with a 0.5% increase while inflation runs at 2.5%, demonstrated a disconnect with the realities of providing quality ECE,' says Heather Taylor, Barnardos Chief Operating Officer, we hope the MAG takes onboard the interests of the whole sector.' Wolfe continues, 'with over $3.1 billion of public investment in ECE annually, we believe the most effective return comes from ensuring that this funding supports services where qualified teachers deliver intentional, responsive, and culturally grounded teaching and learning. The international and local evidence is clear: teacher-led ECE delivers stronger developmental outcomes for tamariki, particularly those experiencing disadvantage.' 'Any review that attempts to break the connection between hiring qualified teachers and funding, will ultimately lower quality and harm our tamariki. While this would be an easy win for lowering ECE costs, having our tamariki educated and cared for by trained professionals should be the building block on which any ECE funding model is built. Our concern is that quality teaching might be the first casualty of any review that is labour market-focused. Quality cannot be compromised by eroding child:teacher ratios or qualified and registered teachers, nor making children a commodity.' Cathy Wilson, Chief Executive of Montessori Aotearoa NZ agrees, 'as the MAG begins its important work, we also urge a strong focus on long-term sustainability. Cutting costs on the critical role of professional teaching staff will lead to fewer teachers being trained and decrease teacher retention. Any future funding settings must support fair pay, career development, and service viability. These elements are not luxuries; they are research-backed essential components for a high-trust, high-quality ECE system that prioritises children's needs.' 'We look forward to engaging with the Group throughout the consultation process and contributing to a systemic future-focused ECE investment system that upholds quality, equity, and the right of every child to learn in an environment led by qualified teachers,' says Jill Bond. Notes: Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our society and economy, with estimated economic and social returns of up to $16 for every dollar invested[1]. ECE contributes to improved education, health, justice, and social wellbeing outcomes for children, especially for those who are disadvantaged. ECE also delivers wider benefits. Stable access to ECE supports maternal mental health, and it supports parents to re-enter the workforce. If cost barriers to ECE were removed, New Zealand parents could have increased workforce participation rates, unlocking $116 million in wages each year. New Zealand's current ECE funding model creates barriers to achieving the educational, social and economic outcomes expected from investment. Established over two decades ago and subject to piecemeal changes, today's model is confusing and complex. Funding pressures have contributed to over 170 providers closing their doors in 20236. As a result, many families struggle to access quality ECE even if they can afford it, noting that New Zealand's ECE services are amongst the least affordable in the OECD. There is broad recognition that significant change is needed. In June 2024, Government agreed to commission this ECE Funding Review. At the same time, two other related reviews, the ECE Regulatory Review and System Review of Learning Support will recommend ways to have a greater educational and broader impact.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Teacher-Led Early Childhood Education: The Cornerstone Of Our Future
New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK), a for-purpose ECE Peak Body representing 19 of the 27 local Kindergarten Associations across the motu, acknowledges the Government's commitment to modernising the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory system through the reforms announced today. Chief Executive Officer, Jill Bond, says that NZK welcomes efforts to streamline compliance, reduce duplication, and introduce more proportionate enforcement tools that support safe, quality education. However, she emphasises that the foundation of quality early learning is not regulation alone—it is the strength, skill, and professionalism of the workforce. 'The reference to possible legislative change within the Education and Training Amendment Bill raises serious concerns for us. Any dilution of the qualified, teacher-led workforce would be a regressive move with long-term consequences for tamariki, and the nation as a whole'. 'A system underpinned by qualified, registered teachers is not negotiable. The evidence is unequivocal: children who attend quality, teacher-led ECE achieve stronger educational, social, and emotional outcomes throughout life. Investment in qualified teaching at the earliest stages of learning is not just good policy—it is smart economics, and the cornerstone of effective social investment' says Ms Bond. 'ECE is the launchpad of lifelong learning and wellbeing. A qualified teacher doesn't just care for a child—they understand how children learn, how to build responsive and inclusive environments, and how to ensure every tamaiti has the best possible start.' The Kindergarten model - teacher-led, community-embedded, committed to equity, and steeped in the Froebelian Principles - has been part of Aotearoa's educational identity for more than a century. We know from generations of experience, and national and global research, that this approach sets children up not just to succeed, but to thrive. As government proceeds with reform, we urge caution and collaboration. We must not sacrifice quality and equity for expediency. We call on Ministers to reaffirm their commitment to a qualified teacher workforce, and to work alongside the sector to ensure changes lift outcomes, not lower standards. This is a pivotal moment. What we choose to protect and invest in today will shape the futures of our children, whānau, and communities tomorrow.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
ECE Sector Leaders Partnership Welcomes Reform, But Raises Red Flags Over Potential Workforce Changes
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Leaders Partnership welcomes the Government's recognition that the current regulatory system is outdated and overly burdensome. 'The announcement of reforms following the Ministry for Regulation's review, is a step in the right direction,' says Jill Bond, CEO of New Zealand Kindergartens. 'Particularly the move toward reducing unnecessary compliance costs, eliminating duplication, and introducing more proportionate enforcement tools. 'However, as always, the devil is in the detail, and we have not been privy to the decisions that have been made,' says Ms Bond. 'We remain concerned about the lack of information about Review Recommendation 10,' says Kathy Wolfe, CEO of Te Rito Maioha. 'And we are troubled by the reference in the Minister's release about changes in the Education and Training Amendment Bill. Potentially, this could open the door to a dilution of the qualified teaching workforce, and any move away from a system underpinned by qualified, registered teachers is a direct threat to the quality of education and care tamariki deserve.' 'The evidence and research is unequivocal,' says Cathy Wilson, CE of Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand. 'Investing early in a child's learning and development delivers enormous benefits for individuals, whānau, and society. A qualified teaching workforce is critical to realising these long-term gains and ensuring tamariki are given the strongest possible start in life.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'Furthermore, social investment in early childhood education is pivotal to the success of future generations. High-quality, teacher-led ECE not only supports better educational outcomes but also contributes to social cohesion, workforce readiness, and long-term economic resilience,' says Mrs Wilson. Kelly Seaberg for Advocates of Early Learning Excellence agrees with the need for regulatory reform and supports changes that create a more enabling environment for ECE. 'The reforms must put the wellbeing and safety of children first and foremost, while upholding professional standards. Clearer regulations, improved transparency, and a stronger, more mature working relationship with regulators will ensure that the necessary regulations relate to quality outcomes for tamariki'. 'The Partnership will strenuously defend the role of qualified teachers as essential to delivering high-quality education and supporting learning outcomes. A qualified workforce is not a luxury - it is the foundation of a strong, evidence-based ECE system that supports tamariki, whānau, and communities,' says Mrs Seaburg. 'We call on the Government to engage meaningfully with the sector,' says Ms Bond. 'This must occur before the legislative and regulatory changes proceed. We must ensure that reforms enhance - not erode - the professionalism, safety, and integrity of early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. If the Minister is serious about meaningful and appropriate change, he should engage with the sector immediately.' Note: Recommendation 10: Allow greater flexibility in workforce qualifications to support access and quality across all areas and service types. Develop options to make qualification requirements more flexible, particularly for services in rural and lower socio-economic areas, Māori and Pasifika services, and home-based services, and Amend regulations to provide for new flexibility in the qualification requirements.
