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.
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
13-4 Reporting requirements for Targeted Funding
Reporting on Targeted Funding
Each year, early learning services are required to report to parents on how they have spent Targeted Funding and why management chose to use the funding in this way.
How early learning services or service providers choose to communicate this information to parents is at their discretion.
However services must at least specify:
- The total amount of Targeted Funding received
- Their key objectives for Targeted Funding
- How they have spent Targeted Funding
- How Targeted Funding benefited the children in their service.
Reporting to the Ministry
Each year, early learning services that received $2,000 or more in Targeted Funding must report to the Ministry on their use of Targeted Funding and how the funding benefited children/tamariki from disadvantaged backgrounds. Reporting can be completed online.
Reporting requirements for targeted funding for disadvantage(external link)
Alternatively, a reporting template is available. Reporting must be submitted in February each year for the funding received for the previous calendar year. Please contact Data.Team@education.govt.nz if you wish to submit your report this way.
Services must keep a record of how they have used Targeted Funding. Details on how Targeted Funding was used must be provided at the individual service level.