The Prime Minister has weighed into the debate over national standards for primary school children.
John Key told a business audience in Wellington on Wednesday the Government is serious about rolling out the standards and he is 100% behind Education Minister Anne Tolley.
Mr Key says he wants the standards to be implemented in a spirit of co-operation, not as a cause of resentment among teachers and principals.
But he says it should be understood the Government is serious about rolling out the policy.
Later, Mr Key said he was not trying to threaten the sector, but extend a constructive olive branch.
He says he has personally been working with principals in the past week and is confident an amicable solution can be found.
