Wellington, Feb 10 NZPA - The Government says it is going to remove "unnecessary red tape" around creches at gyms and in shopping malls.

Education Minister Anne Tolley said today the requirement for Limited Attendance Centres (LACs) to be licensed as early childhood education providers would be taken away.

"Currently these short-term childcare centres must adhere to the same strict licensing regulations as early childhood education centres," she said.

"However, we know that parents expect short-term childcare centres at shopping malls and gyms to provide a babysitting service rather than an education."

Mrs Tolley said she wanted to make it easier for parents to find childcare for an hour or two while they were shopping nearby or at the gym.

"This Government trusts parents to make the right decisions for their children if they are satisfied that a centre provides a safe environment and meets their requirements," she said.

An amendment to the Education Act 1989 would be introduced to Parliament this year, and until it was passed LACs would have to meet early childhood education licensing requirements.