Anne Tolley

Wellington, June 17 NZPA - The Government has introduced a bill to Parliament that Education Minister Anne Tolley says will motivate students and prepare them better for employment.

It will allow them to take participate full-time in secondary-tertiary programmes while they are still enrolled at school.

Mrs Tolley said today it would ensure students would be able to begin studying at the planned Trades Academies next year.

"Trades Academies will motivate and keep young people engaged in learning and training by giving them more options for study," she said.

"The academies will give students a head start in training for industry-related qualifications and a pathway to employment."

The bill also proposes changes to licensing standards for limited attendance centres, amendments to the law affecting private schools, minor changes to school enrolment schemes and amendments to refund provisions for international students.

"We are removing unnecessary red tape for creches at gyms and shopping malls," Mrs Tolley said.

"Currently they need to be licensed as an early childhood education provider, but the bill will remove this compliance burden as parents expect these short-term childcare centres to provide a baby-sitting service rather than an education."

They will, however, have to meet legislative requirements to ensure the safety and welfare of children.

The bill will amend the law affecting private schools to ensure minimum standards for premises, equipment and standard of tuition, and ensure that all private schools are correctly registered.

It is implementing recommendations in a Law Commission report on private schools released last year.