Need-to-know | Me mātua mōhio#
Early childhood funding system review hui#
The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) is holding regional hui to hear about the challenges and opportunities for change in the Early Childhood Education funding system.
The MAG was appointed by and reports to the Associate Minister of Education, Hon David Seymour. It will provide advice and recommendations to re-shape the Early Childhood Education (ECE) funding system to deliver more for children, families, the sector and the economy. The MAG will consult on options in autumn 2026, before final advice and recommendations are delivered to the Minister in September 2026.
In addition to the regional hui, online and bespoke sessions are planned. Participation is welcomed and more information is available on the MAG website.
Ministerial Advisory Group – Early childhood education funding system review
Protecting children from harm#
On 9 October, the Government announced it will accept and work at pace to act on the recommendations of the Dame Karen Poutasi review into the children’s system response to abuse.
The Poutasi review highlighted that multiple layers of government systems and processes needed to be improved to put child safety first.
The announcement, by Minister for Child Poverty Reduction Louise Upston, sets the direction of travel for implementing all the recommendations:
Strengthened system protects children from harm – Beehive.govt.nz
Initial work will begin on a mandatory training programme for designated workforces, so people clearly know how to identify and report child abuse. This will occur before further system change is introduced.
Current training and reporting processes will continue to operate under current settings. The more detailed design will be subject to further Cabinet decisions expected before the end of the year.
Dame Karen Poutasi independent review of the children’s system – Oranga Tamariki
Heads-up | He kupu puaki#
Updated guidance on infectious illnesses#
Health New Zealand has updated the national ‘Infectious illnesses: Symptoms, spread and exclusion guidance' resource.
This will help Early Learning Services (ELS), parents and whānau to decide whether a person (child or adult) should be excluded from an education facility in times of sickness.
The resource has been reformatted with a clearer layout and updated with more concise information and guidance for additional illnesses.
There are two versions available to download:
Infectious illnesses A2 poster – HE1214 – HealthEd
Infectious illnesses booklet – HE1215 – HealthEd
Reminder – Pourato tips and guidance#
November funding information will be available in Pourato a few days before payment on 3 November. Funding contacts will be notified by email when the information is published.
If you’re new to Pourato, or would like a refresher, you can find out how to use it (including visuals and tips) here:
Pourato for Early Learning – Applications and online systems
Note that a new tip has been added recently for getting monthly totals for all services. Tips continue to be updated to answer commonly asked questions.
