Innovative preschools win reward

Three early childhood centres in Auckland will share in a $2 million Government grant rewarding innovation.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the money would be made available over three years for six innovative centres around the country.

Their teaching and learning practices would be further developed in collaboration with researchers and passed on.

"In my opinion, we're not good enough at identifying and developing good practice and then sharing it," he said.

The six early childhood centres are: A'oga Fa'asamoa, Roskill South Kindergarten and Te Kohanga Reo o Puau Te Moananui a Kiwi, in Auckland; Wycliffe Nga Tamariki Kindergarten, in Napier; Wellington's Wilton Playcentre; and New Beginnings Preschool, in Christchurch.

Another six centres would be chosen after the three years were up to do research and development for a further three years.

Mr Mallard said a $1m-a-year innovation fund was being made available in the school sector.