Mega childcare

The article ‘‘Rise of the mega childcare centre’’ (News, August 27) focused on the roll size of childcare centres and while Barnardos has made the decision to operate mainly smaller centres of no more than 50 to 60 children, often smaller, we believe it is more important that parents and caregivers consider what early learning environment meets their child’s individual needs.

There is a choice. As well as centres, both large and small, there are also home-based early learning services, which are especially suitable for younger children. My grandson, who is just 15 months, attends a Barnardos home-based service and is thriving.

While I can understand the debate about size of centres, it is more important that parents and caregivers make the right choice for their child dependent on age and who they are as individuals.

Jeff Sanders, chief executive, Barnardos New Zealand