Early Learning Bulletin

Message from the Secretary for Education

Message from Peter Hughes

At the end of this month I leave the Ministry of Education to take up the role of State Services Commissioner.

Over the past few years as Secretary for Education I have had the opportunity to work with many passionate and dedicated people who understand the importance of education to the futures of our children and young people. So before I leave, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you for the work you do and the difference you make for our children.

Working with you in this role has been an absolute highlight of my public service career.

Thank you again, and all the very best.

Peter Hughes

Critical Need to Know and Action

Financial reporting due 30 June

If your early learning service was open for a full financial year in 2015 and received over $80,000 (including GST) from the Ministry of Education, you need to submit your audited financial statements by 30 June 2016.

If your service operated for only part of the financial year and/or you received less than $80,000 (including GST) from the Ministry, you will need to complete and submit a declaration form by 30 June 2016.

Find out more about financial reporting and your services responsibilities.

Call for nominations for the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

On behalf of the Minister of Education, the Ministry of Education is seeking candidates who are interested in becoming members of the Education Council pursuant to Schedule 21 of the Education Act 1989.

Nominations open 16 June and close 21 July. Read more about what the Education Council is looking for in candidates and how you can nominate yourself or someone else.

General Information Updates

ECE operational funding key dates for the July 2016 payment Paper and electronic RS7 returns received by Wednesday 8 June 2016 will receive funding overnight on Friday 1 July 2016. Correctly completed RS7 returns received after Thursday 9 June 2016, but before Tuesday 6 July 2016, will receive funding overnight on Wednesday 20 July 2016. Further information about operational funding key dates for the July 2016 payment can be found on education.govt.nz.	Checking ECE qualifications when employing a person responsible A ‘person responsible’ must be both a registered and certificated teacher as well as having a recognised early childhood education (ECE) qualification. When education and care and home-based services are employing people to the position of person responsible (or coordinator/visiting teacher), it is essential that the candidate’s qualifications are checked as well as their teacher registration and certification status. Find out what you should be looking for when employing a person responsible.
Education Council note about ECE qualifications Early childhood education (ECE) services should ensure they read the NZQA assessment of overseas teachers’ qualifications before offering them a teaching position. To find out how to check what is an approved ECE teaching qualification, visit education.govt.nz.	New booklet for families starting early learning A new booklet is available for all parents and caregivers who are thinking about starting their child at an early childhood education (ECE) service or kōhanga reo, as well as those whose children are already enrolled. Find out how these can support parents and how your service can access booklets on education.govt.nz.
Early Childhood Advisory Committee The Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) last met on Wednesday 15 June 2016. The committee meets 4 times a year with senior Ministry of Education staff to share information, provide feedback on proposals, and discuss strategic challenges for the early learning sector. Find out more about the ECAC, including minutes from recent meetings, on our website.	State school terms for 2018-2020 confirmed Thank you to those who participated in the consultation on the principles underpinning the current model for setting terms and holidays for state and state integrated schools. Your feedback is valuable and informed us that the current model remains fit for purpose. This has allowed the terms and holidays for state and state integrated schools for 2018-2020 to be confirmed. These are available on our website .

ELI System

Reminder: ECE census week 20-26 June 2016

Today is the first day of the early childhood education (ECE) census week which runs from 20-26 June 2016.

The ECE census collects information on children’s enrolment and attendance as well as on staff, teaching languages and wait times at each service. This information contributes to a comprehensive information base on ECE in New Zealand and is used by the Ministry to monitor and forecast ECE expenditure and design new policies.

Find out how your service can submit your ECE return on the ELI webpage.

Our Community: Stories and Successes

Calling for all story ideas

Do you have a story you want to share with other early childhood education services or schools? Get in touch with the team at the Education Gazette Tukutuku Kōrero. We aim to inspire teaching and learning, as well as celebrate success and innovation. Email your story ideas to: reporter@edgazette.govt.nz.

Contribute to He Pānui Kōhungahunga - The Early Learning Bulletin

The Ministry welcomes contributions from the Early Learning sector for He Pānui Kōhungahunga - the Early Learning Bulletin.
To find out more about how to submit content, contact us at earlylearning.bulletin@education.govt.nz