ECE Funding Handbook

Welcome to the ECE Funding Handbook. This handbook is issued under section 548(5) of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Funding of certain services and certified playgroups – NZ Legislation(external link)

The funding paid to licensed services is paid subject to the terms and conditions set out under this handbook and must be complied with. The terms used in this handbook are based in the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.

This handbook is designed to be a 'one-stop-shop' of everything you need to know about early childhood funding, including:

  • the ECE Funding Subsidy
  • 20 Hours ECE funding
  • equity funding
  • the annual top-up for isolated services

This information does not apply to certificated playgroups

The information in the Funding Handbook does not apply to certificated playgroups.

These services should contact their Ministry regional office for further information.

Local Ministry offices

Download the ECE Funding Handbook

If you would like to print a copy of this handbook, refer to the list of downloads in the contents section where you will find downloadable PDF versions of each chapter.

ECE Funding Handbook downloads

6-6 Three Week Rule: extension for extended non- operation

A symbol.  Books.  Checklist.

  • Introduction

    • The Three Week Rule: extension for extended non-operation allows services to suspend the Three Week Rule for Continuous Absence (Three Week Rule) during an extended period of non-operation.

  • Rule for extended non-operation

    • Services that do not operate for a continuous period of two weeks or more may claim funding for enrolled children who are absent before and after the break.

      The Three Week Rule will be suspended on the date of the child’s last session before the service closes.

      The Three Week Rule will restart from the first date the child is enrolled to attend after the centre re-opens.

  • Examples of ‘extended non- operation’

    • Some examples of extended non-operation where the Three Week Rule can be suspended are:

      • Christmas holidays
      • ‘end of term’ holidays
      • when a service is closed for renovations.

      If you are unsure if your service can suspend the Three Week Rule during a period in which your service will not be operating, please contact your Ministry regional office for guidance.

  • Examples:

    • The examples on the next page illustrate how the Three Week Rule Extension for Extended Non-Operation can be applied to children who have been absent for different periods prior to the period of non-operation.

  • Key for examples
    • Grey check box Days the child was not enrolled to attend.
      Letter A in white box.   Days the child was enrolled to attend and was absent and funding can be claimed.
      White letter A in black box. Days the child was enrolled to attend and was absent and funding cannot be claimed.
  • Example 3 – enrolled five days a week

    • The example below illustrates how the Three Week Rule Extension for Extended Non-Operation can be applied to a child enrolled for five sessions or days per week:

      Three Week Rule Extension for Extended Non-Operation example 3