A survey that paints a bleak picture of New Zealand early childhood centres is being rubbished by the Early Childhood Council.

Lobby group Child Forum claims 27 percent of early childhood teachers wouldn't enrol their own kids at the centre they work at.

Early Childhood Council chief executive Peter Reynolds told Mike Hosking the survey sample of 900 lacks integrity.

"I don't think the picture is as bleak as is being painted through this research. There are over 4500 licensed childcare services operating in New Zealand and they look after over 2000 preschool aged kids."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER REYNOLDS SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING