The Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) was published in November 2020.
Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities 2020Development of the NELP
We consulted on a draft NELP in the Shaping a Stronger Education System with New Zealanders discussion document in late 2019, which was shaped by what New Zealanders had told us so far about what was important to them for education.
What we learned during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what we heard from ākonga | learners about their experiences during this time, has also contributed to these priorities, and has reinforced the importance of the issues addressed by the NELP and TES priorities.
The NELP shares priorities with the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES), which set the strategic direction and current and medium priorities for tertiary education in 2020. It recognises that learners change and grow as they move through the education system and the education system needed to listen to them, adapt to their needs, and empower them to achieve their aspirations, whatever their age or stage of learning.
The NELP sets out 7 priorities for the early learning and schooling sectors. These priorities are joint with the TES. It also shows what Government is doing and sets out actions early learning services and schools and kura can take to respond to the priorities.
Discussion document Summary documentTe reo Māori - Summary documentSetting priorities
The Education and Training Act 2020 enables the Minister of Education to issue a Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP).
The NELP will set out the government’s priorities for all of our schools, kura, early learning services, me nga kōhanga reo, and Communities of Learning │ Kāhui Ako. The governing bodies of these places of learning will use these priorities, alongside their own local priorities and delivering a rich local curriculum, to help every child and young person to progress and achieve to their potential.
NELP provisions in section 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
How the NELP is used
Schools and kura
Boards members of state and state-integrated schools and kura must have particular regard to the NELP, including when developing or renewing their charters. The NELP can be used alongside their own local priorities, and in conjunction with delivering a rich local curriculum, to help every ākonga | learner to progress and achieve their aspirations.
Requirements for boards of trustees in the Education and Training Act – New Zealand Legislation
From 1 January 2023, the new strategic planning and reporting framework was introduced, and the National Education Goals and National Administration Guidelines were removed. The then new planning and reporting framework has a clear link to the NELP and will require schools and kura to show how they’ve reflected the NELP in their 3-year strategic plans.
Registered private schools must have regard to the NELP when operating the school. They must also ensure that their staff consider the NELP when developing and delivering the curriculum.
Requirements for managers of private schools in Education and Training Act – New Zealand Legislation
Early learning services and ngā kōhanga reo
Licensed early learning services are required to have regard to the NELP as part of the Governance, Management and Administration (GMA) requirements.
Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako
Kāhui Ako that have a statutory agreement with the Secretary for Education will be required to have particular regard to the NELP in developing a plan.
Issuing a NELP
Before issuing a NELP, the Minister must, at a minimum, consult with stakeholders in the early childhood and compulsory education sectors.
Legislative requirements for consultation are located in Section 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020:
Section 5: Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
The NELP remains in effect for a period of five years unless it is earlier withdrawn or replaced by notice in the New Zealand Gazette.
