Preschool support: How Erica Stanford wants to stop poor kids from falling further behind in school

PremiumDerek ChengSenior Writer·NZ Herald·1 Jul, 2026 08:00 PM10 mins to read‌Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Education Minister Erica Stanford says too many struggling kids are falling behind before they even put on a school uniform, with many entering primary school with the oral language skills of a toddler.

The next phase of her education reforms will look to improve school readiness, with policy announcements in