Tēnā koutou katoa
Ahead of my departure tomorrow from the role of Secretary for Education, I wanted to take the opportunity to record my thanks for the work you all do and to acknowledge your commitment to equity and excellence of early learning outcomes.
I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting many of you (not as many as I would have liked) and hearing first-hand the challenges of leading and teaching in the twenty-first century and particularly in a post-COVID-19 world, and also to hear of your successes and triumphs.
Ellen MacGregor-Reid will be stepping into the role of Secretary for Education until the Public Service Commission announces a permanent appointment.
It has been humbling to hold this role. I wish you all the very best and leave you in very good hands.
Ngā mihi
Iona
Need-to-know | Me mātua mōhio
Removal of Early Childhood Services Network Approval provisions
The Early Childhood Services Network Approval provisions have been removed from the Education and Training Act 2020 from 30 September. This means service providers can now apply for a probationary licence to operate a new service without needing prior network approval.
To be issued a probationary licence, providers will still need to meet the requirements of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 and associated licensing criteria.
The website and probationary licence application forms (EC1) have been updated to reflect this change.
Other key updates to the EC1 forms include:
| Applies to | Update |
| Centre-based, home-based and hospital-based | Police vet for governance members:
|
| Centre-based and home-based only | New section, confirmation of language:
|
Funding reminders
Late RS7 submissions
RS7 returns received after 9 October, but before 8 November, will be processed for payment on 20 November.
Resubmissions
Each service is responsible for the accuracy of the data submitted. Resubmissions are available to correct genuine errors or oversights that emerge.
Resubmissions:
• for the June 2024 to September 2024 period, this should be made electronically.
• for the October 2023 to May 2024 period, this should be submitted using a paper-based RS7 form.
Resubmissions relating to any time before October 2023 will not be processed. All records should be documented and filed for auditing purposes.
Pay parity
If you are changing the pay parity minimum salary scale attestation for the advance months of the November funding round, contact the ECE operational funding team at [email protected].
You will need to have started paying your certificated teachers | kaiako the adjusted (higher or lower) parity minimum salary scale from 1 October, and there is additional information you need to provide us.
Such changes should be consistent with the employment agreements applying to your teachers.
Heads-up | He kupu puaki
Multi-factor authentication for ESL delegated authoriser link
To enhance security and comply with government cybersecurity standards, we have been introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing the delegated authoriser (DA) link in the education sector logon (ESL) application.
Further details about the implementation, including timelines and specific steps, will be shared with those who have delegated authoriser access as the rollout date approaches.
Reminder: Te Poipoi Kaiako | Mentor support programme
We’re offering a webinar and 13 funded in-person workshops from 16 October.
Read more in the 10 September bulletin:
Te Poipoi Kaiako | Mentor support programme – Early Learning Bulletin
Free handwashing posters
As part of Global Handwashing Day on 15 October, Te Tāhū Hauora | Health Quality and Safety Commission are offering two free A3 hand hygiene posters.
Global Handwashing Day aims to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent infectious diseases and save lives. This year’s theme is ‘Why are clean hands still important?’.
To place orders for the posters, follow the link and select the poster of choice:
Hand hygiene resources – Health Quality and Safety Commission
Visit the Global Handwashing website for more information and resources:
